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Key Points

Bhuvneshwar Kumar is thrilled to be back with RCB after 16 years, now as an experienced campaigner. He explains how his swing bowling partnership with Josh Hazlewood and Yash Dayal brings variety to RCB's attack. The trio has been instrumental in RCB’s success, taking 40 wickets collectively. Bhuvneshwar also highlights the importance of instinct in death bowling.

Key Points: Bhuvneshwar Kumar on RCB return and pace trio with Hazlewood Dayal

  • Bhuvneshwar returns to RCB after 16 years with 193 IPL wickets
  • Teams up with Hazlewood and Dayal in a versatile swing trio
  • Credits instinct for death bowling success
  • RCB’s pace unit has taken 40 wickets this season
3 min read

Same but different: Bhuvneshwar on partnership with Josh, Yash in RCB's pace unit

Bhuvneshwar Kumar reflects on his RCB comeback and how his swing partnership with Josh Hazlewood and Yash Dayal is shaping IPL 2024.

"It is same, but also different. And the best thing is that all three of us can bowl in any phase. – Bhuvneshwar Kumar"

Bengaluru, May 7

Indian pace veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar spoke on his return to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) during the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season and described how his partnership with Josh Hazlewood and Yash Dayal is "same but different" simultaneously.

Bhuvneshwar was speaking on a video posted on RCB's official X handle. In the ongoing season, Bhuvneshwar has taken 12 wickets for RCB in 10 matches at an average of 28.25, with best figures of 3/33. His economy rate is 8.92. The 'Swing King' was previously a part of the RCB set-up as a youngster from 2009-2010, but did not get to play a game for them. From 2011 onwards, he made his IPL debut with Pune Warriors India and later went on to have a legendary run with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), including a title win in 2016 and Purple Cap for most wickets in 2016 and 2017, for two seasons straight.

For this year's season, Bhuvneshwar was roped in by RCB for Rs 10.75 during the mega auction last year. Now, with 193 wickets in 186 matches, he has transformed into an IPL legend.

Speaking about his return to RCB, Bhuvneshwar said, "I am extremely happy to be back in the RCB after 16 years. Because whatever I did back then (during his previous stint), and whatever I do now, it is very different. I came here as a youngster, and now, things are completely different. I have so many years of experience."

Describing his partnership with Australian star Hazlewood and uncapped Indian left-armer Yash Dayal, the veteran said that it is the same since they all possess the gift of swing bowling.

Expanding on the differences, he added, "If you talk about Josh, he has the height. Yash has his left-arm. He creates a different angle. So it is same, but also different. And the best thing is that all three of us can bowl in any phase. We have done that so far. Whenever I do not do well, these two have backed me. Whenever one of us does not do well, the others back him. We are complementing each other really well and it is a great sign."

Combined with Hazlewood's 18 wickets in 10 matches and Dayal's 10 wickets in 11 matches, the trio has taken 40 wickets in the competition so far, emerging as one of the most accomplished, well-rounded bowling groups of the season.

Speaking about death bowling, Bhuvneshwar said that it is an "instinct".

"There are meetings, you plan some things particularly, but a lot of times you do it on the ground. Because that instinct, sometimes a very normal scenario is going on, but even in that, you have an instinct that the batsman is going to do something different. You have to be proactive and a step ahead of the batter. Sometimes, that is a mistake, but as long as you are proactive, if you do things as per your instincts, you are always at the top of your game," he added.

RCB is in second place with eight wins and three losses, giving them 16 points. They will play Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Friday.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Bhuvneshwar's experience is showing this season! His partnership with Hazlewood and Dayal is making RCB's bowling attack lethal. That economy rate could improve though. Hope they maintain this form for playoffs! 💪 #PlayBold
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Priya M.
So happy to see Bhuvi back in RCB colors after all these years! His insights about death bowling are gold - shows why he's called the 'Swing King'. That 2016 SRH performance was magical, hope he recreates some of that for RCB now.
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Arjun S.
The trio has taken 40 wickets combined - that's some serious firepower! But I feel RCB is still over-reliant on their batting. Need more consistency from the bowlers in crunch matches. LSG will be a real test tomorrow.
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Neha R.
Love how Bhuvi is mentoring young Yash Dayal! This is exactly what IPL should be about - experienced players guiding newcomers. That left-arm angle from Dayal has been a surprise package this season. 😊
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Vikram J.
At 8.92 economy, Bhuvi is slightly expensive this season compared to his SRH days. But his wicket-taking ability makes up for it. That instinctive approach to death bowling is what separates champions from regular players!
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Sneha P.
RCB's bowling was always their weak point. With Bhuvi's experience, Hazlewood's accuracy and Dayal's potential, they finally have a balanced attack. Hope this is the year they lift the trophy! 🤞

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