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Bhuvneshwar Kumar: Bhuvneshwar Kumar Creates Impressive with 8 Wickets ||
Ranji Trophy 2023-24: Bhuvneshwar Kumar showcased a stellar performance in the Ranji Trophy match against Bengal, taking an impressive 8 wickets. Will this lead to his comeback in Team India?
In the Ranji Trophy 2023-24, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, playing for Uttar Pradesh, delivered a remarkable comeback, securing the best bowling figures of his first-class career in a single inning. Facing Bengal in the match, Bhuvneshwar took 8 wickets and made a significant impact. After a hiatus from Team India for some time, Bhuvneshwar’s outstanding performance marks a strong comeback.
Playing for Uttar Pradesh after a gap of 6 years in the Ranji Trophy, Bhuvneshwar Kumar showcased a stunning display, taking 8 wickets in the match against Bengal. With brilliant bowling, he played a pivotal role in Uttar Pradesh dismissing Bengal for 188 runs. Apart from Bhuvneshwar, Yash Dayal also contributed by taking two wickets. After bundling out Bengal for 188 in the first innings, they managed to gain a lead of 128 runs.
Long Absence from Team India:
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, a player representing India across all three formats, had not played for the national team since November 2022, a T20 match against New Zealand. Despite being absent for an extended period, Bhuvneshwar’s remarkable performance in the Ranji Trophy has drawn attention once again. It remains to be seen whether his comeback to Team India is in the cards. Bhuvneshwar has already played 21 Tests, 121 ODIs, and 87 T20 internationals.
In his comeback match for Uttar Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy against Bengal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar made an impact by taking five wickets in the group stage match. Playing first-class cricket after six years, he last played a first-class match in January 2018. Meanwhile, the return of Ajinkya Rahane to the Indian Test team is uncertain, as he remained unbeaten without facing a delivery in the ongoing England series. Rahane, along with Cheteshwar Pujara, has not been selected for the initial two Tests, and their participation in the remaining three matches seems challenging.
Due to poor batting performances, the entire Uttar Pradesh team collapsed for 60 runs in just 20.5 overs. Sarvadath Rathore was the top scorer for the team with 13 runs, and the two openers failed to open their accounts. The bowling trio of Mohammad Kaif (4/14), Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal (3/20), and Ishan Porel (2/24) wreaked havoc for Bengal.
Spectacular Bowling by Jayant Yadav:
With five wickets from spinner Jayant Yadav, Haryana created a stronghold against Saurashtra on the first day of the Ranji Trophy group-E match. Restricting Saurashtra to 145 runs in 55 overs, Jayant Yadav played a pivotal role by taking five wickets in just 16 overs. Sumit Kumar dismissed the top-order batsmen Harvik Desai, Snell Patel, and Sheldon Jackson before experienced campaigner Cheteshwar Pujara scored 49 runs off 100 balls. In response, Haryana finished the first day at 122 for the loss of one wicket, with Ankit Kumar and Himanshu Rana at the crease, scoring 68 and 38 runs, respectively. Ankit Kumar scored his runs with nine boundaries and a six in his 99-ball innings.
Cricket Insights: Virat Kohli vs. Babar Azam:
The comparison between Virat Kohli and Babar Azam is a frequent topic among cricket enthusiasts. It is widely believed that Virat Kohli and Babar Azam are among the best batsmen in contemporary times. However, statistics reveal additional insights, especially when examining their strike rates. In the T20 format, Virat Kohli tends to start his innings slowly, but his strike rate increases as he plays more deliveries. On the other hand, Babar Azam struggles to maintain a high strike rate throughout his innings.
Virat Kohli’s T20 Strike Rate Graph:
Statistics show that in the T20 format, Virat Kohli plays 39.40% dot balls in the first 10 deliveries. During this phase, the former Indian captain scores at a strike rate of 111.95. However, as he continues to face more deliveries, his strike rate increases. Between 11 and 20 deliveries, Virat Kohli maintains a strike rate of 142.76. Subsequently, between 21 and 30 deliveries, his strike rate remains at 139.29. After facing 30 deliveries, Virat Kohli’s strike rate reaches up to 169.97.
Babar Azam’s Performance in Comparison:
In comparison, Babar Azam’s numbers are not as impressive. In the T20 format, during the first 10 deliveries, Babar Azam’s strike rate is 112.91, with 43% dot balls. Between 11 and 20 deliveries, Babar Azam plays at a strike rate of 127.34. Between 21 and 30 deliveries, his strike rate drops slightly to 124.03. However, after facing 30 deliveries, Babar Azam manages to increase his strike rate to 155.04. During this period, he plays 20.90% dot balls.
These statistics provide interesting insights into the contrasting playing styles of Virat Kohli and Babar Azam in T20 cricket. The debate between the two remains intriguing, considering their respective strengths and weaknesses in different phases of an innings.