Bhuvneshwar’s over changed game: Pant
Kolkata, Feb 18 :India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant on Friday said that the penultimate over bowled by pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar changed the game against West Indies in the second T20I. India beat West Indies by 8 runs at the Eden Gardens and sealed the three-match series with one game left. West Indies needed 29 runs off the final two overs but the experienced Bhuvneshwar demonstrated his class and conceded just four runs as well as took the crucial wicket of Nicholas Pooran. The dismissal of Pooran (62) ended his and Rovman Powell’s 100-run partnership for the third wicket. Pooran got a top edge and Ravi Bishnoi caught him while back-pedaling from extra cover region. “Obviously, Bhuvi bhai’s over was game changing. He bowled really well,” said Pant at the virtual press conference. Earlier, Pant and Venkatesh Iyer’s blitzkrieg helped India post 186/5 after being put in to bat. While Pant remained unbeaten on 52, Iyer scored an 18-ball 33. Talking about his outing with Iyer, Pant said, “When you come down the order, you know the situation. We talked to keep things simple, see the ball and hit the ball”. When asked whether he has secured the number four position, the India wicket-keeper said, “I’m not thinking about securing this or that place. It’s about the team plan. “We haven’t set any template, we talk only how to capitalise in middle overs. We’re trying different options who can help the team with World Cup in mind. We’re trying to give opportunities to players keeping in mind where they can fit in.” (UNI)