Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria feels Bhuvneshwar Kumar is not trying to do anything different, which is why he has been expensive in the recent past. Kumar hasn’t been in the best of forms as he is conceding runs at both ends of the innings.
The fast bowler has all the experience under his belt but he hasn’t been able to execute his skills in the recent past. Kumar conceded 52 runs in the first T20I against Australia and then he was taken for 39 runs in three overs in the third game. Furthermore, he didn’t have the best of the Asia Cup as he was taken to the cleaners by Pakistan and Sri Lankan batters at the fag end of the innings.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kaneria feels Bhuvneshwar Kumar should be open to criticism if he has to get back into form.
“You won’t improve unless you are willing to take criticism. While he has been an amazing fast bowler and has done really well, he is not at his best right now. He is struggling with the new ball and it’s the same case towards the backend as well.
“He is not trying to do anything different and has proved to be expensive consistently.”
On the other hand, Jasprit Bumrah was also taken for 50 runs in the third T20I against Australia, which is the most runs he has conceded in the T20I format. However, Kaneria feels Bumrah will regain his form soon.
“This was Jasprit Bumrah’s first full 20-over match since returning from injury. He conceded a lot of runs. But we must note that Australia played with a lot of intent, despite losing wickets at regular intervals. He hasn’t found his rhythm, but he will be fine.”
Meanwhile, Axar Patel had an impressive series against Australia as he scalped eight wickets in the three matches. Kaneria feels Patel can bowl at any stage of the innings.
”Axar Patel has shown that he can fill Ravindra Jadeja’s shoes. Every time the captain handed him the ball, he made an impact. He can bowl at any stage as he can take the new ball and also come in during the middle overs. Whenever the team needs a breakthrough, he is able to provide it.”
The first T20I between India and South Africa will be played on Wednesday.
