Jacob Duffy, New Zealand's fast bowler, praised the bowling abilities of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, his teammate at the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team. This praise was expressed ahead of the five-match T20I series between India and New Zealand, which starts on November 22 in Christchurch.
Bhuvneshwar's Return to the Indian National Team
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who played in the T20 World Cup 2022 semi-final against England, has been called back to the Indian national team after nearly four years of absence. This call-up comes due to his consistent and impressive performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL). At 36 years old, this experienced player has managed to return to the national list with his outstanding displays.
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Duffy's Praise for His Teammate
Duffy spoke about Bhuvneshwar's bowling skills in a pre-match press conference, saying: "He is not the fastest bowler in the world, but he is extremely skilled. He has a good ability to change the length of his deliveries, a proper understanding of how to play against batsmen, and variety in his bowling. These factors make playing alongside him enjoyable, and I am eagerly looking forward to seeing him on the field." Duffy also mentioned the challenges of bowling in Indian conditions and named Bhuvneshwar and Kagiso Rabada as the best bowlers of IPL 2026.
Bhuvneshwar's Performance in the Indian Premier League
Bhuvneshwar Kumar claimed the title of the second-highest wicket-taker in IPL 2026 with 28 wickets in 16 matches. With an average of 17.89 and an economy rate of 7.95, he played a key role in RCB's consecutive victories in 2025 and 2026. Duffy commented on the challenges of bowling in the IPL, stating: "Indian conditions, especially in the IPL, are among the most challenging places to bowl due to the impacts of players and specific pitches."
Outlook for Upcoming Matches
The T20I series between India and New Zealand will be an exceptional opportunity to showcase Bhuvneshwar Kumar's skills. Given his experience and positive performance in the IPL, he is expected to play a significant role in the success of the Indian national team. These matches not only provide a chance for international competition but also allow players to showcase themselves on a global stage and continue to shine.
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