IRE vs IND: Everyone Knows What Sort Of Calibre Bhuvnewshwar Kumar Has - Hardik Pandya After 1st T20I

Indian captain Hardik Pandya said fast bowler, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, deserves a lot of respect for the effort he puts in and the consistency with which he delivers for the team.

The senior pacer gave away 16 runs in his 3-over spell during the rain-curtailed first T20I against Ireland, where the match was reduced to 12 overs a side. It also included a maiden over, which is stunning by itself in the shortest format.

“Obviously, everyone knows what sort of calibre Bhuvi (Bhuvneswar Kumar) has as a bowler… like we say, always comes in and does the same thing over and over again. But at times flies under the carpet because nobody talks too much (about him).”

“But if you look back, the performances that he has given, the consistency with which he has performed, he demands a lot of respect and actually he deserves it,” Hardik said at the post-match press conference.

“He usually wins the match for you” – Hardik Pandya on Chahal

Yuzvendra Chahal was also economical with the ball and gave away just 11 runs in his 3-over quota. The wily leg-spinner has found his form at the right time and it’s a sign of good times for the Indian team.

“So for me, Bhuvi is top class and same Yuzi as well. Match winner, just toss the ball to him and tell him you bowl whatever you have to…he usually wins the match for you,” he added.

Notably, Deepak Hooda was promoted up the order in the absence of Ruturaj Gaikwad. The Baroda player made the most of the opportunity, staying till the end and scoring 47 to take the team over the line.

“Very happy for (Deepak) Hooda as well because to open (the innings) after being told at the last minute and then to go and finish the game shows a lot of his character. So very happy for him,” Hardik concluded.

The second T20I takes place on June 28.

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