That Was Rahul Dravid's Call- Bhuvneshwar Kumar Reveals Head Coach Behind Deepak Chahar's Promotion In Batting Order
Published - 21 Jul 2021, 01:56 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:50 AM
India‘s vice-captain for the Sri Lanka tour, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, has revealed that it was the idea of Rahul Dravid, the tour coach, to promote Deepak Chahar in the batting order on Tuesday in the run chase in the second ODI.
The move paid off as Chahar scored 69 runs off 82 balls, and staged an 84-run eighth-wicket partnership with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, to help India over the line in a 276-run chase after the team was found reeling at 193-7. Chahar had previously worked with Dravid at India A level where the former batsman had seen him bat which impressed him to send in Chahar at number 8 ahead of Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
“…Our aim was to play till the last ball, last over, so we wanted to take it as deep as possible, so we can score runs. The only plan was to play till the last, and the way Deepak batted was amazing,” Bhuvneshwar Kumar said in the post-match press conference.
“Look, he has played under coach Rahul Dravid before in India A or some series and he had scored there as well. So, Dravid knew that he can bat and he can hit a few balls, so that was Dravid’s call,” he revealed.
“And the way he batted, Chahar proved it right. We all know that he can bat, he has batted in Ranji Trophy many times, so it wasn’t a tough call but it is good to see the way he scored the runs.”
I’m satisfied with the way I’ve bowled: Bhuvneshwar Kumar
After having a forgettable outing in the first ODI – where he conceded 63 runs in 9 overs – Bhuvneshwar Kumar improved his figures to 3/54 in the second ODI. He said he was satisfied with his performance on Tuesday considering the pitch was in favor of the batters. He also lauded Chahar, who picked a couple of wickets, for his astute use of the slower ball variations.
“Deepak has always been bowling knuckle balls. He has always had that and he is executing that well. And as far as my bowling is concerned, in both the matches, it has been batting-friendly conditions and extremely hot. It becomes difficult for bowlers. I’m satisfied with the way I’ve bowled,” Bhuvneshwar Kumar said.
Also Read: Watch: Mickey Arthur And Dasun Shanaka Involved In Heated Exchange After Sri Lanka vs India 2nd ODI
