MI vs SRH: Did Bhuvneshwar Kumar deserve the entire credits for Hyderabad's win over Rajasthan? Mohammad Kaif's striking verdict

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif gave all the credit to Bhuvaneshwar Kumar for guiding the Sunrisers Hyderabad towards a 1-run victory against Rajasthan Royals.

The two teams clashed against each other at the Rajiv Gandhi stadium last night in what was Hyderabad and Rajasthan's only meeting of IPL 2024. Following the range-hitting show of Travis Head, Nitish Reddy, and Heinrich Klaasen which helped SRH post 201, Bhuvaneshwar Kumar used all his experience to defend 13 runs off the final over.

A night to remember for Bhuvaneshwar Kumar

The former swing king of team India Bhuvaneshwar Kumar was not having the best of seasons in Indian Premier League 2024 until last night. It seemed like, through his performance, Bhuvi had found his confidence as well as mojo back. He registered some crucial wickets at the start of Rajasthan Royals' chase and also finished off the game in the best way possible.

At one point it had seemed that the Royals would easily score 13 runs off the last 6 balls due to the presence of West Indies power hitter Rovman Powell in the crease. Powell had drawn some momentum towards him after smacking a huge six off Pat Cummins' 19th over. It was just a matter of two sixes more and RR would have entered the play-offs for the second time in 3 seasons.

But Bhuvaneshwar Kumar delayed Powell and Rajasthan from grabbing those 2 qualification points. His night with the new ball in the 1st over of the 2nd innings began with a single and then a wicket of the big fish - Jos Buttler for a golden duck.

With the first dangerous man gone to the pavilion, Bhuvaneshwar Kumar then sent Sanju Samson packing for a 3-ball duck. Bhuvi claimed 2 big wickets off just the first over and things started to shape up perfectly for a thriller.

Jaiswal, who was looking in very good form last night, found the support of Riyan Parag after Buttler and Samson's dismissals. The duo then stitched a commendable 131-run partnership for the 3rd wicket with Jaiswal leaving the crease after contributing 67 off 40.

A few overs later, Riyan Parag received his marching orders from Pat Cummins after a scintillating 77 off 49. Then Shimron Hetmeyer came, smashed 13 off 9, and went away with a flash in the 4th ball of the 18th over.

Cummins then bowled the penultimate 19th over, claiming the wicket of Dhruv Jurel for 1 of 3 before conceding a six off the last ball from Powell. With 13 runs required, Bhuvaneshwar Kumar took the onus. After giving away 3 runs off the first two balls, Bhuvaneshwar leaked a four with Powell executing the lap shot perfectly toward a deep fine leg.

In the next two balls, Powell took doubles and brought the equation down to 2 off 1. On any other day, it would have been an easy task for Powell but not against Bhuvaneshwar Kumar. The veteran bowled a pacey, full toss which angled into Powell's pad and it was plum LBW. With that SRH won by a run and replaced CSK from the 4th spot in IPL 2024 table.

Mohammad Kaif's take

While speaking to Star Sports after the match, Mohammad Kaif gave all credit for SRH's win to Bhuvaneshwar Kumar. Kaif had appreciative words for Bhuvi for being able to swing the ball to claim the wickets of Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson.

"Two runs were required off the last ball and he got a set batter out. Of course, he picked up wickets with the new ball, dismissed Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson, the in-form batters. So the entire credit goes to Bhuvneshwar Kumar. It's absolutely correct." - Mohammad Kaif said via Star Sports.