Always Exciting To Play Against Pakistan, But We Have A Lot Of Cricket Left Before The World Cup - Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Senior India seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar talks about how a clash with arch-rivals Pakistan is always exciting, and the pressure and intensity it brings amongst players in both camps.

India and Pakistan, on Friday, were drawn in the same group for the upcoming T20 World Cup later in the year in the UAE. They are going to be joined by New Zealand, Afghanistan and two qualifier teams in Group 2.

However, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who made his ODI and T20I debuts against Pakistan in 2012, also asserts that the Indian players don’t need to get too far ahead of themselves overthinking about that game as they have plenty of matches and time left before the World Cup arrives.

The pacer is in Sri Lanka for white-ball matches where he is also the vice-captain of the side. India’s Test team will take on England in an important Test series before all the players play out the remainder of the IPL 2021 ahead of the World Cup.

“Look, it is always exciting to play against Pakistan, and it is always a pressure and high-intensity match. But, to be honest, we have not really thought about how it is going to be because we have a lot of cricket left,” Bhuvneshwar Kumar said from Sri Lanka. 

“We have got matches in Sri Lanka and of course Test matches in England and then the IPL and then the World Cup. Once we get off the IPL, we will start thinking about that,” he added.

I’m not prioritising white-ball over red-ball: Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Bhuvneshwar Kumar also cleared it out that he has not prioritised playing limited-overs cricket over Test cricket. The swing pacer was surprisingly omitted from the Test side to tour England, and selected to play white-ball matches in Sri Lanka. He hasn’t played Test cricket in over three years due to injuries but expresses his desire to play when given an opportunity.

“To be honest, I’m not prioritising white-ball over red-ball. If I am selected for red-ball cricket, I’ll definitely contribute. I’m not looking to prioritise one of the two. I’m just working normally, trying to prepare in a way that I’m ready for all formats. If I get a chance, I’d like to do well. I’m not looking ahead to what will happen in 18-20 months,” the 31-year-old stated.

Also Read: 5 Most Heated On Field Exchanges In An India-Pakistan Clash