Bhuvneshwar recently received a recall to the Indian T20I squad after a four-year hiatus.
Veteran India pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar shared an insightful perspective regarding the evolution of T20 cricket, emphasizing that bowlers can still control the game despite rising scores and rule changes like the Impact Player.
Instead of viewing bowlers as helpless victims of this high-scoring era, Bhuvneshwar advocated for a mindset shift. He firmly believes a smart bowler can still dictate terms by forcing batters to hit to specific target areas.
"I know there is an Impact Player. But that Impact Player has opened up the batsman's mindset a lot. They go after the ball from the first ball," Bhuvneshwar said in a video shared by the BCCI.
"But I have always believed that we take bowlers as victims. But they are not. I think being a bowler, you can control the game. You can make them hit where you want. So I think it's just a perspective. What we have to do is think like a bowler," he added.
Bhuvneshwar noted that T20 cricket has evolved dramatically over the last four years, with high scoring no longer exclusive to franchise leagues as 200 runs has become the baseline par score even in international T20 matches.
"100%. The game has evolved a lot in the last four years. Not just league cricket. Even international cricket. The way scores are being made. 200 is just a par score. When it becomes 200, I think there is something. But yes, it evolved big time," he stated.
Earlier this month, Bhuvneshwar was recalled to the Indian squad after a four-year hiatus. He played the rain-abandoned fifth T20I against the West Indies in Bengaluru on October 17 and is currently featuring in an away series against New Zealand.
The 36-year-old highlighted the challenges of playing overseas, particularly in SENA countries, where conditions can be difficult for both batters and bowlers.
"When you come on an away tour, it's tough. The conditions are different. Generally, we come with expectations that maybe we will get something from a fast bowler. But for the last four to five years, the way we have seen white-ball cricket, there is not much support for bowlers," he added.
He said conversations among bowlers revolve around assessing conditions and finding the best way to execute their plans.
"Whenever we talk, we talk about very basic things. What are the conditions? What can we do? But what I have realised is that T20 has become such a format where you need a lot of maturity as a bowler," he said.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar pointed to the immense value of succeeding in challenging overseas assignments.
"Whenever we come on a tour, the biggest mindset is to win there. Especially when we come to SENA countries. It's not easy. Whether you are a bowler or a batsman, there are some challenges. And winning in such countries gives you a lot of satisfaction. That you came there, performed, contributed and won the tournament," he remarked.
Team India started their all-form tour of New Zealand with a thrilling four-wicket victory in the first T20I in Christchurch on October 22. The Men in Blue pulled off their highest-ever successful T20I run chase at Hagley Oval, tracking down a massive target of 226 with two balls to spare.
Reflecting on India’s win, Bhuvneshwar said: "And the way we won the first game, I know it was hard on bowlers. But the way the batsmen chased, the team's confidence is high. And on such tours, not just in T20s, if you get a start like this across formats, then it carries on into different matches. Once you get a good start, everyone will be confident to do well and win the series."