Christchurch: Veteran Indian fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar has finally ended an agonisingly long wait for a breakthrough in international cricket. Playing in the second T20 International against New Zealand at the Hagley Oval, the premier pacer claimed a wicket after a massive gap of 1,432 days.
The 36-year-old swing specialist marked his return to the wickets column in his second over of the match when he successfully dismissed dangerous New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell, having him caught out.
Kumar’s journey back to this moment has been a gruelling test of patience. The seasoned bowler recently made his much-awaited comeback to the Indian squad after 1,425 days during the final T20I against the West Indies. However, that return was largely a quiet affair, as he did not get an opportunity to bowl in that fixture.
His subsequent outing in the first T20I against New Zealand in Christchurch proved equally frustrating. Despite finally getting the ball in hand, Kumar struggled to find his rhythm and proved expensive, finishing his spell without a wicket. It was only in the second match of the series, at the exact same venue, that he finally tasted success.
Coincidentally, his previous international wicket also came on New Zealand soil against the same opposition. Kumar last dismissed a batter on November 22, 2022, in a T20I clash against the Kiwis. Following that game, the pacer spent nearly four years waiting to celebrate another international dismissal.
The breakthrough against Mitchell not only ends a statistical drought but also provides a major confidence boost for the veteran, who is looking to re-establish himself in the Indian bowling attack.