IPL 2024: Bhuvneshwar Kumar Reflects on Last Over Heroics in SRH’s Nail-biting Victory

Veteran seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar said he is not overthinking and just focusing on two good bowling spells after scripting a sensational last-ball one-run win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in an Indian Premier League (IPL) thriller at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Hyderabad on Thursday. RR’s chase of 202 was shaken by Bhuvneshwar in the opening over – Jos Buttler took the wide slip fielder back for a golden duck, while Sanju Samson was bowled by an inswinger that pushed the stumps through the gate. Defending 12 runs in the final over, Bhuvneshwar trapped Rovman Powell in front of the wicket with the last ball to halt Rajasthan Royal’s chase of 200 for 7 wickets and complete the spoils.

With the help of fifties from Travis Head and Nitish Reddy, Sunrisers scored 201 runs for 3 wickets in 20 overs.

“I was not thinking much about the result in the last over. There was no discussion in the last over, just focus on the process. I was just thinking about bowling two good balls, anything could have happened,” Bhuvneshwar, who was adjudged player of the match for his 3-for-41, said in the post-match presentation. “I wasn’t thinking too much, just focusing on the process. The ball swung so much, can’t really point, really enjoyed it. Luckily got a wicket today. The thought process was different when the season started, but that changed when the batsmen played like this,” he added. The win moves SRH to the fourth spot, where they are tied with Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Supergiants on 12 points. Despite the loss, RR remained on top.

SRH skipper Pat Cummins was happy after the win. “It was a fantastic game. It is T20 cricket. Anything can happen, Bhuvi executes that last ball. You try to take some wickets in the middle. Natarajan is a good yorker bowler, fortunately, we got some wickets,” said Cummins.