Bhuvi credits IPL for death overs skills

Kolkata, January 21

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Medium-pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar today credited the Indian Premier League (IPL) for his transformation as a final-overs bowler and said the team would play without pressure as it aims for a clean sweep against England tomorrow. “The way I’m bowling at the death, it’s all thanks to the IPL. A lot of bowling in the death in the IPL has added to my experience and given me the mindset. Keeping that in mind, I thought whatever I’ve done there I will do it here. It has paid for me,” Kumar said.

The 26-year-old made the difference in a wayward Indian seam attack in Cuttack as he capped a brilliant opening spell with tight bowling late during England’s chase. 

Recalling the first over of his final spell in which he conceded only eight runs, Kumar said: “I knew I had five overs left. I knew it could swing either ways. There was pressure, dew was there. But the moment I bowled the first over (42nd), I got my confidence back.”

 “You just need an over to get your confidence going. It was an over that boosted my confidence,” he added.  

With 700-plus runs being scored in both the games in the series, Kumar said the bowlers have become used to it now. “We now know that 350 is a normal... a par score in ODI cricket. That’s how we plan our practice.”  — PTI

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