« Back to article

Print this article

'You learn more when bowling alongside someone like Dale Steyn'

Bhuvneshwar Kumar believes bowling alongside world's best fast bowler Dale Steyn in the IPL will help him pick up the "little things" from the
South African and make him a better bowler. 

Kumar is relishing being part of Sunrisers Hyderabad's pace unit, which is led by Steyn and said it has been a learning experience for him.

"You learn more when bowling alongside someone like Dale. There are so many little things I can pick up from him that can help me become a better bowler. That is the biggest positive of being part of such an attack," Kumar told IPL's official website. 

"I bowled with Dale a few times in the nets but talking to him during the match about specific batsmen's weaknesses and planning was a learning experience." 

'In these conditions I become a different bowler altogether'

Kumar (1-21), Steyn (2-29) and Ishant Sharma (1-29) strangled the Rajasthan Royals's top order, reducing them to 31-3 in 6.2 overs.

Kumar produced quality swing bowling and even though he had just one wicket to show in his 3.3 overs, with a bit of luck, he could have had more scalps to his name.  

In his third over, Bhuvi almost had Watson to nick one behind with an out-swinger, while Ajinkya Rahane too was foxed by a delivery which swerved back in but luck was not on his side and he didnt get the wickets. 

"These were the perfect conditions for me – there was grass on the wicket and I was getting the ball to swing. I know that when I get conditions like this, I become a different bowler altogether," Kumar said. 

'You do feel like you should have ended up with more wickets'

Asked if he felt he deserved a wicket in your third over, Kumar said: "Yes, I thought I did. I bowled an out-swinger to Watson and the one that came in to Ajinkya. Both were lucky to miss the edge. 

"When you are bowling that well, you do feel like you should have ended up with more wickets. But it was equally satisfying to see Ishant pick up a wicket in the very next over. 

"When you create pressure in the previous over for your partner to strike, it is sometimes as satisfying as picking up a wicket yourself. That's how you win matches – bowling in pairs."