‘He deserves a lot of respect’- Hardik Pandya showers praise on Indian seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Indian skipper for the ongoing T20 series against Ireland, Hardik Pandya heaped praise on Bhuvneshwar Kumar after the conclusion of the first T20 International against Ireland on Sunday.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar exhibited a sensational spell in the power play. The Indian seamer didn’t allow Ireland to get a solid start in the first six overs and also managed to pick the crucial wicket of Paul Sterling. He returned with great figures of 1 for 16 in 3 overs. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s recent form inspires a lot of confidence. He was also the Player of the Series in the T20I series against South Africa.

Not a long while ago, Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s position in the Indian team was under the scanner. Owing to bad performances and struggles with injuries, the Indian seamer had a torrid time in the last few years. However, he has recovered fully and is looking in great form.

Following the conclusion of the first T20 international against Ireland, Hardik Pandya showered praise on India’s frontline seamer. Pandya said that Bhuvneshwar Kumar doesn’t get the respect that he deserves because of the performances he has showcased, over the years.

Everyone knows what sort of caliber Bhuvneswar Kumar has: Hardik Pandya

“Obviously, everyone knows what sort of caliber Bhuvi (Bhuvneswar Kumar) has as a bowler…like we say, always comes in and does the same thing over and over again. But at times flies under the carpet because nobody talks too much (about him),” Hardik Pandya said at the post-match press conference.

“But if you look back, the performances that he has given, the consistency with which he has performed, he demands a lot of respect and actually he deserves it,” he added.

India have taken a 1-0 lead in the two-match T20I series against Ireland. They won the first game by 7 wickets and would be looking to replicate a similar performance on Tuesday in the second T20 international at ‘The Village’ ground in Dublin on Tuesday.