India vs New Zealand 2019: These Kind of Matches Happen Once in a While - Bhuvneshwar Kumar

New Zealand defeated India by eight wickets in the Hamilton ODI, but that’s not the headline. The India National Cricket Team getting out a modest 92, surely is. The manner in which India’s batsmen lost their wickets raised a few questions, which Bhuvneshwar Kumar answered post the match. Though with the ball, Bhuvi picked the only fallen wickets for NZ, he said the team would be prepared for such pitches in days to come.

This match was a reality check – Bhuvneshwar

The Indian team skittled out for 92, courtesy a brilliant spell of 5/21 from Trent Boult. The left-arm pacer didn’t take long before breaking India’s back in the game. From getting the top-three to removing Kedar and Hardik in the lower-order, Trent had India reeling at 40 for seven at one stage. Meanwhile, Colin de Grandhomme provided a helping hand too, collecting three wickets, including that of Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

The Kiwis, while chasing lost two wickets in Guptill and captain, Kane, as both went in the kitty of Bhuvneshwar. As the visitors couldn’t build further pressure, New Zealand cruised past the winning line with eight wickets in hand. However, Bhuvi talked about India’s worst performance, as termed by stand-in captain, Rohit Sharma and said,

“These kinds of matches just happen once in a while but happen. We have played some good cricket but these matches come after a few matches. But it is kind of a good match for us because it is a reality check of what we can do in the next matches. And what are the things we can take away from these matches and improve in games to follow?” Bhuvneshwar Kumar said.

We were outplayed, says the pacer

The fast bowler, who in four games has eight wickets to his name said despite doing well in this format in different conditions, the New Zealanders outplayed them in Hamilton.

“We have played in England, South Africa and Australia, but instead of saying we played well I would say they played really well. They bowled some amazing balls but overall they have outplayed us.” he added.

Lost opportunity for the middle-order? Bhuvneshwar answers

When asked about the failure of the middle-order, Bhuvneshwar defended his players saying the wicket was challenging to bat on. He then pressed on the fact it is a learning process for everyone, and not the batsmen to know how to play on this kind of surfaces.

“Not really. We can’t say that in just one match. It was a tough wicket to bat on. So it wasn’t a lost opportunity for the middle-order batsmen. I would say that it is a learning for all of us, not just for the batsmen.” Bhuvneshwar concluded.

Meanwhile, the fifth and final ODI of five-match series is scheduled for Sunday (February 3rd) in Wellington.