Seasoned pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar's mayhem in Ranji Trophy continued on the second day of the Uttar Pradesh versus Bengal match on January 13, Saturday. UP's star pacer Bhuvneshwar followed up his Day 1's fifer with exceptional eight-wicket haul on the second day against Bengal. This effort led to his 13th career five-wicket haul in First-Class cricket, with career best bowling figures of 8/41. It was Bhuvneshwar's carnage-filled spell which gunned down Bengal to mere 188.
Bhuvneshwar effectively utilised the new ball, disrupting Bengal's batting lineup on the first day. He quickly dismissed Saurav Paul and Sudip Gharami within three balls. His momentum continued as he bowled Anustup Majumdar and took the wickets of Manoj Tiwary and Abishek Porel. On the following day, he claimed the wickets of the in-form Shreyansh Ghosh, Pradipta Pramanik, and Suraj Jaiswal.
Bengal had initially performed well, putting Uttar Pradesh to bat first and consistently taking wickets. This led to Uttar Pradesh being all out for 60, with Mohammad Kaif taking 4/14, and Jaiswal (3/20) and Ishan Porel (2/24) completing the lineup. However, in their batting response, Bengal managed 188, owing to contributions from Shreyansh (41) and an unbeaten 45 from Kaif, giving them a lead of 128 runs, despite Bhuvneshwar's impressive 8/41. Bhuvneshar's new ball partner Yash Dayal accounted for the rest of the two wickets to restrict Bengal to paltry total.
Bhuvneshwar last played the red ball cricket for India in January 2018 against South Africa. Following a six-year hiatus from First-Class cricket, the seasoned bowler has made a comeback, fueled by the ambition of rejoining the Indian national team. Bhuvneshwar began his First-Class career in 2007.
The 33-year-old has participated in his 71st First-Class game, accumulating 226 wickets at an average of over 26. In addition to achieving thirteen five-wicket hauls, he has also secured nine instances of taking four wickets in an innings. His recent performance marks his best bowling figures in his First-Class career. On the international front, Bhuvneshwar has represented India in 21 Test matches, 121 One Day Internationals, and 87 T20 Internationals, securing 63 wickets in his Test career.
Kumar's consistent rhythm and sharp focus have caught the attention of the cricket world, fueling speculation about his possible comeback to the Indian national team. His outstanding performance in the Ranji Trophy not only highlights his prowess but also sends a compelling message to the national selectors.
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