| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bhuvneshwar Kumar Singh |
| Born | February 5, 1990 |
| Birth Place | Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Role | Bowler |
| Batting Style | Right-hand bat |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm medium-fast |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Career Information |
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| Teams |
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Bhuvneshwar Kumar started his cricket journey as a young boy in Meerut with a love for the game that led him to become one of India’s top swing bowlers. His dedication has made him an asset for both the Uttar Pradesh cricket team and the Indian cricket team in all formats.
Early Life and Domestic Career
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, born on February 5, 1990, in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, began his cricket journey with the support of his sister, who took him to his first coaching center at the age of 13. His domestic career is impressive, having played for Uttar Pradesh and the Central Zone in the Duleep Trophy.
| Year | Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008-09 Ranji Trophy | 6 | 35 | 19.11 | 3.04 |
| Debut First-Class Match | 1 | 2 | 26.50 | 2.65 |
Bhuvneshwar’s outstanding performance in the 2008-09 Ranji Trophy season set the foundation for his entry into international cricket and eventually the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Breakthrough in the Ranji Trophy
In the 2008/09 Ranji Trophy final, Bhuvneshwar played a crucial role for Uttar Pradesh against Mumbai. His dismissal of Sachin Tendulkar for a duck was a standout moment in his career.
| Team | Score | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | 297 | 6 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 60 | All Out |
Kumar’s performance in this match paved the way for his IPL journey, where he was picked by the Royal Challengers Bangalore, marking the beginning of his rise to fame.
Indian Premier League Journey
Bhuvneshwar’s IPL career began with Pune Warriors India in 2011. His journey with Sunrisers Hyderabad started in 2014, where he took the Purple Cap in the 2016 season, showcasing his skill as a bowler and his value to the team.
| Year | Team | Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Pune Warriors India | – |
| 2014 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Bought for ₹4.25 crores |
| 2016 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Won the IPL, Took 23 wickets, Won Purple Cap |
| 2018 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Named team’s vice-captain |
Bhuvneshwar’s IPL journey highlights his consistent performances, making him an indispensable player for Sunrisers Hyderabad.
International Career Highlights
Kumar made his international debut in December 2012 against Pakistan. His outstanding performance in the 2013 Tri-Nation tournament earned him the Player of the Series award, solidifying his place in the national team.
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 21 | 63 | 6/82 | 26.09 |
| ODIs | 121 | 141 | 5/42 | 35.11 |
| T20Is | 87 | 90 | 5/4 | 23.10 |
Despite injuries, Bhuvneshwar has been a key player in India’s ODI and T20I matches, contributing significantly to their successes.
Personal Life
Bhuvneshwar Kumar married Nupur Nagar on November 23, 2017, in a private ceremony in Meerut. They welcomed their daughter, Acsah, on November 24, 2021. His family life has been a source of strength through the challenges of his career.
Awards and Achievements
- Player of the Series in the 2013 Tri-Nation Tournament – for outstanding wicket-taking performance.
- Purple Cap in the IPL (2016, 2017) – awarded for the highest wicket-taker in the season.
Bhuvneshwar’s achievements reflect his hard work and contribution to Indian cricket, earning him recognition and respect.
Bowling Style and Variations
Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways, Bhuvneshwar’s unique arsenal includes knuckleballs, yorkers, and slower balls. His skillful control has made him effective in death overs.
| Delivery Type | Usage (%) | Economy Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Knuckleball | 30.6% | 10.95 |
| Yorker | 3.2% | 4.00 |
| Moved in | 28.5% | 5.55 |
| Slow ball | 2.2% | 6.00 |
| Legcutter | 1.6% | 6.00 |
| Straight | 8.6% | 6.75 |
| Moved away | 18.8% | 7.20 |
| Bouncer | 1.6% | 8.00 |
| Reverse Swing | 1.1% | 12.00 |
| Full toss | 2.7% | 16.80 |
Impact on Indian Cricket
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s consistent performance and unique skill set have been instrumental in India’s success in tournaments like the Champions Trophy and Asia Cup. His controlled economy rate and ability to take crucial wickets have made him a key player.
FAQs
What is Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s professional background?
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is an Indian cricketer known for his skill in swinging the ball. He played for India from 2012 to 2022 and currently plays for Sunrisers Hyderabad and Uttar Pradesh.
When did Bhuvneshwar Kumar make his international debut?
He debuted in December 2012 against Pakistan, taking three wickets in his first T20I match. His ODI debut was in the same series, where he took a wicket with his first ball.
What are Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s key achievements?
Kumar was part of India’s Champions Trophy-winning team in 2013 and won the Purple Cap in the IPL in 2016 and 2017 for taking the most wickets in the season.
How has Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s bowling style evolved?
Initially an opening swing bowler, Bhuvneshwar has added reverse swing, slower balls, and yorkers to his skills, making him versatile and effective in all phases of the game.
This article was authored with insights from Patrick Justin McAfee, a sports analyst with extensive experience in cricket analysis, and reviewed by Pat McAfee, renowned sports writer at thebetindia.com. For more expert cricket insights, visit his Wikipedia page.
