In this Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, veteran fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar made headlines with an extraordinary performance in his first T20 hat-trick of life. The 33-year-old pacer is rated as one of the all-time great powerplay bowlers of T20 cricket history; it took such a sensational spell in the final over to help him send Uttar Pradesh to a big victory.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s hat-trick moment
Advertisement
In the 17th over of the match, Bhuvneshwar fully capitalized on the pressure situation, as Jharkhand still required 45 runs to win with only five wickets remaining. His clinical execution of the hat-trick started with the dismissal of Robin Minj (11 off 11 balls), followed by the wicket of Bal Krishna, who was out for a duck (0). Bhuvneshwar’s hat-trick was completed by getting the wicket of Vivek Anand Tiwari, who was also dismissed for a duck (0).
Bhuvneshwar ended the over with three successive dot balls against Vikas Singh, returning with phenomenal figures of 4-1-6-3. His brilliance with the ball in the crucial last overs helped Uttar Pradesh win handsomely. This hat-trick was proof of his skill, composure, and ability to deliver under pressure in T20 cricket.
This not only marked a personal milestone for Bhuvneshwar Kumar but also marked him as a great value for the shortest format of the game. The pacer has always been known for his accuracy and ability to swing the ball well in powerplay overs. His spell in this game was a reflection of class and experience.
For Uttar Pradesh, it was an unforgettable win as Bhuvneshwar’s effort played a key role in curtailing the chances of a successful chase by Jharkhand.
A Superb IPL Return
While Bhuvneshwar’s hat-trick was the highlight in domestic cricket, his return to the IPL for the 2024 season also caused ripples. Having been with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) since 2014, Bhuvneshwar had been with the franchise for ten years before he was released by them before the 2024 season of IPL. But at the next mega auction, RCB managed to buy him for ₹10.75 crore.
This was an interesting acquisition mainly because it was a “return home” of sorts for the pacer. Bhuvneshwar had previously played for RCB way back in the 2009 season, so after a long time, the player is returning to this team. He has been one of SRH’s stalwarts, but for RCB, this move speaks volumes about the teams’ belief in his credentials and how he could further bolster their bowling attack.
Advertisement
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s investment in RCB was viewed as strategic in an attempt to strengthen their pace department, particularly during the powerplay overs. His experience and success in T20s provide RCB with a bowler that can come in handy when it comes to picking vital wickets and keeping the opposing team on their toes in the early stages of the game.
Impact of Bhuvneshwar in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
Before his signing with the IPL, Bhuvneshwar was playing for Uttar Pradesh in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he showed his class and leadership. He led the team to a dominant position in the competition, and his stellar performance in the hat-trick match only added to his reputation.
Bhuvneshwar bowled a maiden over in a total of four overs and only allowed the opposing team to run for six runs, an unprecedented feat in T20. The T20 is indeed known for aggressive batting with high run rates.
He himself could add 160 runs for Uttar Pradesh to lose eight wickets in this match. Key contributions came from Priyam Garg (31 runs in 25 balls), Rinku Singh (45 runs in 28 balls), and Sameer Rizvi (24 runs in 19 balls).
In the end, Shivam Mavi’s quickfire 15 runs off six balls, including two sixes, provided the finishing touches to their total. This solid team effort, combined with Bhuvneshwar’s stunning bowling, saw Uttar Pradesh emerge victorious.
The Road Ahead
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s hat-trick in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy serves as a perfect reminder of his capabilities and what can be expected from him, in terms of consistent excellence at the highest level.
Although he hasn’t been a part of India’s side since November 2022, domestic performances clearly show that he’s more than ready to have a say in the Indian Premier League and possibly make it in international cricket as well, if given an opportunity.
The upcoming season of IPL will be very important for Bhuvneshwar Kumar as he wants to prove his worth again on the big stage with RCB. Given his experience, skill, and versatility, there is little doubt that he will be a key figure in their bowling attack, and fans are excited to see how he can contribute to their aspirations of securing the IPL title.
ALSO READ: IPL 2025: Why Punjab Kings Can Win This Season
Advertisement