In the high-stakes world of cricket, where the outcome of games often hinges on the last few deliveries, composure can be the decisive factor between triumph and heartbreak. This was exemplified by veteran India seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s masterclass in the tight finish against Rajasthan Royals in Hyderabad on Thursday (May 2). Bhuvneshwar managed to snatch a narrow one-run victory for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in a game that teetered on the edge until the last ball.
At the crux of the nail-biting finish, SRH had a challenging task ahead as they sought to defend a mere 12 runs in the final over. When asked to bowl the decisive over, Bhuvneshwar employed a mindset focused on the process rather than the outcome. “I was literally thoughtless, I was not thinking about the result. I was just trying to do what I can do,” remarked the seasoned pacer, who kept a cool head in the face of immense pressure.
Bhuvneshwar’s strategic approach paid off, particularly against Rovman Powell, who had control of the strike for most of the over. Despite SRH being forced to close ranks and bring an additional fielder in due to a slow over rate, Bhuvneshwar was not to be shaken. With the match on a knife-edge and two runs required off the final delivery, he sent down a low full toss which Powell missed entirely, resulting in a dramatic leg before wicket dismissal. “I knew if I could bowl just two good balls, and if it went to the last ball, anything could happen,” Bhuvneshwar said, admitting that while it was a full toss, its outcome was influential.
The swing bowler’s success wasn’t restricted to the last over. Earlier in the match, he had used the new ball to devastating effect, swing bowling reminiscent of his prime and quickly sending both Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson back to the pavilion without scoring. “It was the first match the ball swung so much,” he observed, crediting the swing with giving him the upper hand during the game.
Across the field, Rajasthan Royals’ young batting phenomenon, Riyan Parag, defended his teammates against suggestions of carelessness with their dismissals. Parag, notably in good form this season, refuted the idea that the wickets fell due to a lack of judgment. He explained the strategical thinking behind their shots, particularly highlighting the challenges posed by SRH’s bowling during the crucial final leg of the game.
Parag conceded that SRH outperformed with their bowling in the closing overs, lauding the collective effort of teammates like Pat Cummins and T Natarajan for their effective defense of a modest total. “It’s their home ground, they bowled like they knew how the wicket was playing. You got to give credit to Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Natarajan and Cummins,” Parag said, acknowledging the skillful crunch-time bowling that ultimately led to SRH’s win.
Having experienced a tumultuous previous season, Parag has found his stride this year. While there is speculation and enthusiasm surrounding his potential inclusion in the national squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, he remains pragmatic, choosing not to be swept up by rumors or the potential limelight.
Bhuvneshwar’s composure under pressure and Parag’s candid assessment of the game’s crucial moments provide a glimpse into the multi-faceted nature of T20 cricket—where the balance between assertive offense and strategic, cool-headed defense can turn the tides in mere moments. In the end, Bhuvneshwar’s detachment from the result, combined with his relentless focus on the process, showcase the mental fortitude required for last-over heroics in the high-octane environment of cricket.