''Focus is on variations,not pace"

[sekhar]

Focus is on variations, not pace, says Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Working hard on his form and fitness to prepare for the hectic international schedule, Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar said he is not worried about losing pace and focussed on improving his line and length. "When I started playing cricket, I knew that my physique is not at all like a typical fast bowler. My body language is also different and I am not aggressive by nature thus my focus was always on my skills," Bhuvneshwar told PTI Bhasha in an interview. "I don't run after speed. Obviously, it will be better to have some more pace but I am very well aware that I can't bowl with the speed of 150 kmph. I am working hard on my technique and variations," said the bowler, who is busy with off-season training in Meerut.He has hogged the limelight with his fine performance in the Champions Trophy claiming six wickets at an economy rate of 3.91 and was included in the 'Team of the tournament'. He had maintained the form in tri-Series in West Indies where he posted career-best figures of 4/8 against Sri Lanka. He was awarded Man of the Series in this tournament after he finished with most wickets. When asked about his off season training, he said he is working on his fitness and skills. "Next season is going to be very hectic so I am utilising this break to work on my fitness and sharpen my skills. I am doing a lot of gym and the stint in NCA has been very beneficial," he said. "I am working on my swing and yorkers. It is also necessary to mould according to the format like you have to bowl differently in ODIs and test matches," he added. There will be pressure on him considering his fine form but he is not worried about upcoming South Africa tour as of now. "There is no additional pressure. I will bowl with the same intensity. The South Africa tour is at the end of this year. Before that we have to play a series against Australia and then with West Indies. I am keeping my eyes on those right now," he said. Many believe that he can lead the Indian pace attack replacing Zaheer Khan but he said that nobody can replace the veteran. "Zaheer has vast experience and is a great bowler. Nobody can replace him. As far as I am concerned my priority is to perform well and win matches for India. Our pace department is very well balanced and there is a healthy competition which is good for the team," he said. He credited his teammates and the atmosphere of dressing room for his recent success. "My family and friends were always supportive but my teammates and the dressing room atmosphere played a major role in my good performance recently. "Most of the players have played junior Cricket together and gel very well. We keep motivating each other that resulted in good performance as a unit," he said.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/cricketnext/focus-is-on-variations-not-pace-says-bhuvneshwar-kumar/420420-78.html

[sekhar]

I am working on my swing and yorkers

It seems that he want to prove the world that he can be a good death bowler:two_thumbs_up:

[Lord]

:two_thumbs_up:

[gattaca]

good for him. you need to know your strengths and weaknesses. Better than like ishant who does'nt know which way the ball will swing.

[Gunner]

His current pace of around 135ks is enough to trouble most batsmen, especially when allied with movement both ways. Good to see him concentrating on yorkers and variations, he can be the answer to our death bowling woes.

[Lord]

good for him. you need to know your strengths and weaknesses. Better than like ishant who does'nt know which way the ball will swing.

after his success in WI tour in 2011,he said the reason the batsmen were unable to play him coz he himself doesnt know which wy it'll swing:giggle:

[fineleg]

He is right to focus on the skills given that he understands his strengths. Over time he can work on slight increase in pace - If he can gradually up the pace from current average of 130-135 to closer to 140 over the course of a year or two - that will be sufficient. (with continued focus on swing)

[SLICKR392]

It seems that he want to prove the world that he can be a good death bowler:two_thumbs_up:

He is a good death bowler. Its just that, Dhoni finishes his quota before it begins.

[rahulrulezz]

The fact that he bowls close to 135 with those banana swingers makes him ten times better bowler than PKumar n IPathan who bowl 10k slower than him.. Swing with 135+ is just awesome

[GrandMasterSaxy]

As far as he is able to swing either way, 135-138 is a decent looking pace. How can we forget Vaas and Akram who started off as a pace bowlers but eventually proved to be lethal once they started medium pace and had full control on line and length.

[vvvslaxman]

He is pretty slight for a fast bowler. Striving for extra pace may become counter productive. RIghtnow he looks very comfortable when he releases the balls compared to some of the other bowlers. I am surprised when he errs on line and length much like i am surprised when Ishant gets his line and length right.

[rkt.india]

I am surprised when he errs on line and length much like i am surprised when Ishant gets his line and length right.

Actually I am surprised how he maintains his line and length with that action which is flawed at so many levels. Maybe, he has got used to it.

[vvvslaxman]

Actually I am surprised how he maintains his line and length with that action which is flawed at so many levels. Maybe' date=' he has got used to it.[/quote'] His wrists are very much used to delivering that way. It is much like lot of guys asking me how i use a twisted forehand instead of proper backhand in table tennis. It is matter of being comfortable with your action. That is one of the reason why many modified actions go awry at some point. Guys with most natural actions generally do well over a period. Akram for all his genius does not really have a text book bowling style.

[rkt.india]

Akram for all his genius does not really have a text book bowling style.

Akram's action changed over a period of time since his debut. You watch him in World Championship in Australia in 85 and and then in WC 1992, those two are pretty different bowling actions.

[vvvslaxman]

Akram's action changed over a period of time since his debut. You watch him in World Championship in Australia in 85 and and then in WC 1992' date=' those two are pretty different bowling actions.[/quote'] If you are talking about run up i agree. But that quick arm action was always there.

[rkt.india]

If you are talking about run up i agree. But that quick arm action was always there.

No, even action was a bit different. It was certainly quick arm but a more side on in 1985, later it changed to mixture of front and side on.

[Nash]

Spinner focus on variabtions not pacer.They focus on SPEED and everything related to speed( aka seams)

[Vilander]

he bowls 125 -132 with odd ball at 135...blistering pace for indian standards anyway.

[G_B_]

Bhuvi bowls at the 80-82 mph. Thats his normal pace. It works for him and he should not change it. Looking at his ranji records he is used to bowling long spells for UP.

[Detonator]

Last time when a bowler focused on variations, he flopped badly. Hope bhuvi learns something quick.