Veteran Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar finally picked up his first wicket since returning to the national team, dismissing Daryl Mitchell in the second T20I against New Zealand at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Saturday, October 24. The experienced seamer provided India with a crucial breakthrough during the powerplay after Arshdeep Singh had removed opener Tim Seifert in the previous over.
Bhuvneshwar, who returned to international cricket after nearly four years, opened the bowling for India once again. After conceding eight runs in his first over, the right-arm pacer struck on the final delivery of his second over to send Mitchell back to the pavilion.
Bhuvneshwar bowled a good-length delivery that held up slightly after pitching. Mitchell attempted to flick the ball towards the leg side but failed to time his shot properly. The New Zealand batter got a leading edge, sending the ball high into the air. Tilak Varma, stationed at cover point, kept his composure and completed a comfortable catch to give India their second breakthrough of the innings.
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Mitchell departed for just six runs off five deliveries, suffering an early setback after showing promising form in the series opener. He had scored 28 off 19 balls in the first T20I at a strike rate of 147.37. With Seifert and Mitchell dismissed in quick succession, India made an encouraging start with the ball in Christchurch.
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Bhuvneshwar’s return to international cricket had not gone according to plan initially. Although he was named in India’s playing XI for the final T20I against the West Indies in Bengaluru, rain washed out the match before he could take the field.
His first appearance against New Zealand also proved challenging. While he began with an encouraging opening over and managed to generate movement, the experienced pacer struggled to contain the opposition during the remainder of his spell. He finished wicketless, conceding 49 runs in four overs at an economy rate of 12.25.
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Therefore, dismissing Mitchell in the second T20I will offer Bhuvneshwar some relief as he looks to regain his rhythm. Having returned after a prolonged absence, the veteran pacer will be eager to deliver consistent performances throughout the series and strengthen his case for a longer run in the Indian team.
