What’s up with Bhuvneshwar Kumar? What is the status of the injury that put him out of the England Test series? How did he suddenly turn up in Alur, on the outskirts of Bangalore, for an India A one-day match? Once there, how did he go?
He’s 28 now, and six years old in international cricket.
Once upon a time, when just 18, he dismissed Sachin Tendulkar for a duck. It was a Ranji Trophy game in January 2009. Kumar sent the ball fizzing through the morning air in Hyderabad. Full. And then cut in to hit bat, pad and into the silly mid-on’s hands. It was Tendulkar’s first duck in domestic cricket.
He was bound to be watched after that, he was bound to be tracked. He’s still being watched, being tracked. Even after 21 Tests, 87 ODIs and 29 T20Is. And after 182 international wickets.
He walked away to deep square-leg, far away from the action. Lost in his thoughts. But for the 100-odd gathered at the ground, it was a rush to be closer to the star attraction. They cheered, they said something or the other, they hooted. No reaction.
Someone from the crowd yelled, “Bhuvi bhai, will you join RCB?” – that’s the local IPL team, a team that might have Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, but have never won the tournament. And never had a strong enough fast-bowling unit. Kumar can help.
‘Bhuvi bhai’ didn’t bother to reply.
Will he get a call-up for the final Test? It can’t be ruled out, but might depend largely on how the fourth Test, in Southampton, goes. If it’s 2-2, especially on the back of the show at Trent Bridge, India might not worry too much, and allow him more time to recover. If not, who knows. On the evidence, he’s ready. Just deep in thought.
