However, the match was abandoned due to rain.
India pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar said having no expectations from himself and focusing on the work at hand helped him navigate his four-year absence from international cricket, adding that his preparation never suffered despite being away from the national team. He finally got a chance to bowl in the first T20I against New Zealand.
Bhuvneshwar returned to the national setup after a four-year absence earlier this month when he was called up for the fifth T20I against the West Indies in Bengaluru as a replacement for injured Arshdeep Singh.
“100%. 200 is just a par score. When it becomes 200, I think there is something.
That you came there, performed, contributed and won the tournament,” he said.
He said he had continued to prepare thoroughly for matches despite not knowing whether another India opportunity would come his way. They go after the ball from the first ball,” he said. But yes, it evolved big time,” he said. Reflecting on India’s opening win in the New Zealand T20I series, he said a successful start could have a positive impact on the team’s confidence for the remainder of the tour.
The pacer credited the Indian Premier League (IPL) and domestic cricket for keeping him connected to the game during his international absence. “I know there is an Impact Player. But that Impact Player has opened up the batsman’s mindset a lot. The game has evolved a lot in the last four years. Not just league cricket. Even international cricket. The way scores are being made. “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.
“And the way we won the first game, I know it was hard on bowlers.
Once you get a good start, everyone will be confident to do well and win the series,” he said. 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.
