Bhuvneshwar Kumar on Deepak Chahar: Bhuvneshwar Kumar explains why Deepak Chahar came in to bat ahead of him as Deepak Chahar was sent to bat first in the 2nd ODI? Bhuvneshwar Kumar told the complete game plan

Colombo: Sending Deepak Chahar to bat before Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the second ODI against Sri Lanka proved to be a masterstroke for the Indian team. Chahar played an innings of 69 * to give India a three-wicket victory with five balls to spare in a thrilling match.

After the match, Bhuvneshwar Kumar revealed why Deepak Chahar was preferred over him. The Indian vice-captain said that head coach Rahul Dravid had seen Chahar bat on the India A tours and other series and that was the reason why he was sent to bat first.

Deepak Chahar scored his maiden half-century on Tuesday and led India to a memorable victory. After the match, Bhuvi said, “Deepak Chahar has worked with our head coach Rahul Dravid in the past as well. Chahar contributed with the bat in front of Dravid in India A and some other series. So Dravid knew that Chahar could bat and he could also hit a few deliveries. It was Dravid’s decision that Chahar would go to bat first and the Agra cricketer proved it right. We all knew he could bat, he has done it many times before. It was not a difficult decision, but it was good to see him score runs.

Let us tell you that Bhuvneshwar Kumar contributed 19* runs in the match and shared an unbeaten 84-run partnership with Deepak Chahar to help India win. 31-year-old Bhuvneshwar Kumar had scored his maiden half-century against Sri Lanka in a similar situation four years ago. Then he shared a 108* run partnership with Dhoni to lead India to a three-wicket victory. Bhuvi scored 53* in that match.

India will soon have another fast bowler all-rounder: Bhuvi

Bhuvneshwar Kumar said that even though it is too early to call Deepak Chahar a fast bowler all-rounder, he is moving in the right direction to become one. Bhuvi said, ‘Deepak Chahar has a lot of potential, as he showed today. I am sure India will soon have another fast bowler all-rounder if he continues to do so.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar further said, ‘It may seem too early to call Chahar an all-rounder, but the ability he has and the way he is practicing, he has shown such ability. I am sure if he continues to play, India will have a great bowler who can bat down the order. Let us tell you that India has taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. Now the third and final ODI of the series will be played on Friday.