The announcement of India’s squads for the upcoming series against South Africa has raised eyebrows, notably due to the exclusion of Bhuvneshwar Kumar. This decision comes as a surprise, considering Bhuvi’s recent form and his ability to swing the new ball. The management’s strategy of balancing young talents and experienced players adds complexity to the selection process.
The team management has adopted a dual strategy for the series against South Africa. The T20I squad leans towards young players, emphasizing their inclusion. In contrast, the ODI and Test squads feature experienced players, a move aimed at providing stability and expertise. The absence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the Test and T20I squads aligns with this strategic approach.
Former Indian pacer RP Singh expressed his surprise at Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s exclusion through a recent tweet. RP Singh, having observed Bhuvi closely, commended his form and spirit, indicating that the swing bowler was in prime condition for the South Africa series.
RP Singh tweeted, “Am really surprised that Bhuvi is not part of any of the white ball squads for South Africa tour . I have seen him closely this season and he looked in great shape and spirit.”
Bhuvneshwar Kumar was not part of India’s World Cup squad, a decision that saw the management opting for the trio of Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj. His retention by Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of the IPL 2024 auction indicates the franchise’s faith in his capabilities. In the IPL 2023 auction, he was acquired for Rs 4.20 crores, and he delivered a notable performance, picking up 16 wickets in the last season.
Am really surprised that @BhuviOfficial is not part of any of the white ball squads for South Africa tour . I have seen him closely this season and he looked in great shape and spirit.
— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) November 30, 2023
#INDvsSA #rpswing
The composition of the bowling squads reveals the selection approach. The T20I squad boasts the talents of Arshdeep Singh, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, and Deepak Chahar. The Test squad includes the likes of Mohd Shami, Mohd Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, and Shardul Thakur. Meanwhile, the ODI squad features Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, and Deepak Chahar as specialist seamers.
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Bhuvneshwar Kumar, a seasoned campaigner, finds himself out of the reckoning for all three formats – T20Is, ODIs, and Tests. Despite his impactful performances in the past, the swing maestro has not played an ODI since January 2022, a T20I since November 2022, and a Test since 2018.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s retention by Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of the IPL 2024 auction reflects the franchise’s confidence in his abilities. In the IPL 2023 auction, he was acquired for Rs 4.20 crores, and he justified the investment with an impressive performance, securing 16 wickets in the last season.
