SA vs IND 2022: Bhuvneshwar Kumar has not been able to stem the runs in final overs – Sunil Gavaskar

Former Indian legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar has opined Bhuvneshwar Kumar has not been able to stem the runs in the final overs in limited overs format.

Kumar has not been at his best since he has recovered from his back injury and there has been a dip in his form.

The right-arm fast bowler conceded 64 runs in his 10 overs in the first ODI against South Africa at Paarl on Wednesday and also went wicketless. Furthermore, Shardul Thakur was also costly in his spell as he conceded 74 runs in his 10 overs spell. In fact, it has been noticed in the recent past that Bhuvneshwar Kumar hasn’t been effective in the death overs of the game.

Kumar also failed to provide wickets at crucial intervals of the game. The swing bowler only played a solitary match in the T20 World Cup against Pakistan and he was dropped after he conceded 25 runs off his three overs against the arch-rivals.

Sunil Gavaskar wrote for TOI, “Both Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Shardul Thakur leaked runs, though Thakur had made up for it somewhat by cracking an unbeaten half-century when SA had eased the pressure. For some time now, Bhuvneshwar has not been able to stem the runs in the final overs like he used to.”

India is looking to build their team for the 2023 World Cup.

“That this series doesn’t count for points in the ICC Super League is a blessing. India being the host country will get an automatic entry, but that route is not for this Indian team.”

Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant was promoted as the number four batter in the first ODI against South Africa. However, the Little Master added Rishabh Pant should be used as a finisher. Pant was dismissed after scoring only 16 runs.

“The middle order floundered after the terrific partnership between Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli, as Pant and the two Iyers were unable to cash in and take the team home. Pant, in recent times, has been used at no.4 in the ODIs where he has not quite found the right mix of patience and aggression, so maybe it might be a good idea to use him as finisher at no.6, where he can throw his bat at will without having to bother too much about the situation.”

The second ODI between South Africa and India will be played at Paarl on Friday.