Babar’s dismissal was key: Bhuvneshwar

DUBAI: Pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, one of the architects of India’s win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup, opined that having a solid game plan against each of the opposition players is as important as executing the skills on the field.

Bhuvneshwar (4/26) returned with a match-winning four-wicket haul that included the prized scalp of Pakistan captain Babar Azam. “It is important for a player to be proactive, be it while batting or bowling, because T20 is such a fast format to assume things,” Bhuvneshwar said at the post-match press conference.

“The wicket (pitch) did not support swing and the bounce was more. We know what the batter’s strengths are and when we bowl a couple of balls, we get a better idea. I believe that thinking about the game is as important a factor as skills,” Bhuvneshwar added.

Bhuvneshwar felt that Babar’s dismissal disrupted Pakistan’s plans as the team relies on him to anchor the innings. “Once Babar was out, we did not think that half of the Pakistan team has been dismissed. He is a good player but technically, there were nine other batters still left. But yes, once he was out, we knew its (Pakistan’s) plans will be disturbed.”