The opening six overs have become the defining period in a T20 encounter, where batsmen set the tone from the very first ball. While the Powerplay has generally been deemed a batsman's domain, over the last few years, one bowler has gone against the grain Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Precision and control make the difference.
What makes Bhuvneshwar's success in this phase stand out is his approach; he goes back to basics and executes them perfectly. He is one of the few bowlers to have used control, movement and patience rather than variations to outsmart batsmen.
While being one of the few pace bowlers who can move the ball in either direction with consistent pace, he also has the accuracy to do it to his liking on all deliveries. His bowling does not possess much pizzazz-it does not look spectacular or boast of many different tricks; it is just about his strong execution.
He relies heavily on a tight line around the top of off-stump where he pushes and pulls the ball to both sides to extract movement and create the uncertainty that is a rarity in this format where batsmen look for clear cut scoring opportunities. Once that seed of doubt has been planted, Bhuvneshwar assumes control of the entire innings, instead of opting for a 'magic ball' to make his presence felt-which in itself brings in a certain level of control and pressure upon the opposition.
Sam Billings rubbished viral mental health remark on Pakistan Super League
His numbers tell a story.
It is in the Powerplay that Bhuvneshwar's bowling prowess has shone the brightest, with 84 wickets, the most in the history of the Indian Premier League. Even more impressively, his economy rate during this phase, over nearly 200 matches, has been an astonishing 6.58.
The pace bowler, even at 36, has continued to produce the goods for his team. In a recent match against the Delhi Capitals, he bagged three wickets in his first three overs and put his team in a strong position to defend a total of 176. His bowling was textbook: early swing and immaculate control over his line and length, coupled with just enough pace to rush the batsmen.
Watch here :
He recently became the first-ever pacer to take 200 wickets in IPL history.
While there is no argument that his strength has historically been the Powerplay, his numbers when compared with other premium new-ball bowlers are convincing enough Boult is brilliant with the moving ball early but does tend to struggle when the swing doesn't help. Chahar can be very penetrative with the swing but then it fades. Sandeep relies on discipline, variations but bowls at a lower pace.
However, Bhuvneshwar Kumar combines both he possesses a good pace to beat batsmen, he is capable of moving the ball just enough and he is highly accurate which helps him in all conditions. He reads the game very well and has the ability to repeat his plan under the most intense of pressure situations.
In a format where just a couple of expensive overs at the top can put you on the back foot for the rest of the innings, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has built his reputation solely on the foundation of mastery of the Powerplay. His numbers, method and effectiveness are the best to have ever been delivered in the format's powerplay.