Southee says Bhuvneshwar will have a big impact on India tour of New Zealand

Tim Southee said on Thursday, ahead of India’s multi-format tour of New Zealand, that Bhuvneshwar Kumar will play a significant role for India, adding, "he’ll have a big impact." He made the remarks while discussing fast-bowling matchups and conditions ahead of the tour.

Southee, described in the report as an authority on swing bowling and a former Kiwi pacer, addressed several bowling topics in a virtual interaction. The discussion covered Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s recall to the Indian T20I squad and the form of India’s pace attack. Southee referenced performances in the Indian Premier League when assessing Bhuvneshwar’s readiness.

On Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s recall to the Indian T20I squad, Southee said: "He’ll be thrilled to have another opportunity, which he probably didn’t think was going to come. He’s a very skilful and experienced bowler. And Bhuvneshwar probably knows his game better than he ever has. He’s still bowling extremely well in the best franchise competition in the world, the IPL… he’ll have a big impact."

The former New Zealand pacer also addressed Jasprit Bumrah’s record in New Zealand Tests, noting that despite Bumrah’s global standing the conditions have been difficult for him in the longest format. The article states that Bumrah "has lost all five Tests, returning nine wickets at an average of 45.44 (career: 19.79) and strike-rate of 92.8 (42.8)."

Southee offered a direct assessment of Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj in New Zealand, saying: "New Zealand has played Bumrah incredibly well in Test cricket. I don’t think Bumrah has played in an Indian team that’s beaten New Zealand. I’m a big fan of Mohammed Siraj and the way he bowls. He could be a handful if he can get his length right. There’s a lot to like about Siraj in particular. There’s no reason why the other bowlers in and around Bumrah won’t be able to trouble the New Zealand batters," Southee said during a virtual interaction on Thursday.

He also commented on the challenge India’s top order will face with the new ball in New Zealand, saying: "When you’re playing in India, arguably the easiest time to bat is with the new ball before it starts to turn. In New Zealand, it’s almost the other way around... the hardest time to bat is with the new ball."

Southee concluded with a prediction for the two-Test series, stating, "There will be a bit of weather around.. I’ll go 1-0 to New Zealand." The report notes that the India tour of New Zealand will be shown live and exclusive on Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV starting October 22.