Bhuvneshwar Kumar is one of India’s most skilled and versatile bowlers. Known for his exceptional ability to swing the ball both ways, he has been a consistent performer in international and domestic cricket. While Kumar does not rely on express pace like some of the fastest bowlers, his ability to combine swing, accuracy, and smart variations makes him an asset to any team. In this article, we will explore Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s average bowling speed, his role as a medium-fast bowler, how his speed has evolved over the years, and the significance of his skill set in modern cricket.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s Bowling Profile
Before diving into the specifics of his average bowling speed, it is important to understand Kumar’s overall bowling profile:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bhuvneshwar Kumar Singh |
| Date of Birth | February 5, 1990 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Playing Role | Bowler (Right-arm medium-fast) |
| Teams Represented | India, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Uttar Pradesh |
| Specialty | Swing bowling, new ball expertise, variations |
| Debut | 2012 (ODI), 2013 (Test & T20I) |
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s strength lies in his precision and swing rather than raw pace. He is particularly dangerous in conditions conducive to swing, where he can extract movement off the pitch or through the air.
Average Bowling Speed
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s bowling speed typically falls in the range of 130-135 km/h (80-84 mph). While he does not bowl express pace like Jasprit Bumrah or Umran Malik, Kumar’s speed allows him to retain control over line and length, maximizing his ability to move the ball.
The following table highlights Kumar’s average bowling speed across different formats:
| Format | Average Speed (km/h) | Speed Range (km/h) |
|---|---|---|
| Test Matches | 130-132 km/h | 125-135 km/h |
| One Day Internationals (ODIs) | 132-134 km/h | 128-138 km/h |
| T20 Internationals | 133-135 km/h | 130-138 km/h |
Kumar has occasionally touched speeds close to 140 km/h (87 mph) during specific spells, particularly in his younger years. However, he generally operates within the medium-fast bracket, focusing on swing and accuracy rather than sheer pace.
Why Is Bhuvneshwar Kumar Effective Despite Moderate Pace?
Bhuvneshwar Kumar proves that pace alone does not determine a bowler’s success. His effectiveness stems from the following skills:
Swing Bowling: Kumar is one of the best swing bowlers of his generation. He can move the ball both ways (inswing and outswing), which troubles even the best batters.
Early in his career, he was especially lethal with the new ball, often taking wickets in the powerplay.
His ability to generate lateral movement at speeds around 130-135 km/h allows him to exploit favorable conditions.
Accuracy and Control: Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s control over line and length is exceptional. He consistently bowls in areas that force batters to play, increasing their chances of making mistakes.
Variations: Kumar uses slower balls, knuckleballs, and cutters effectively in limited-overs cricket. His deceptive changes of pace make him a potent force in death overs.
Fitness and Stamina: While he struggled with injuries during certain phases of his career, Kumar’s fitness and ability to bowl long spells have improved over time, making him a reliable bowler in all formats.
Evolution of Kumar’s Bowling Speed
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s bowling speed has evolved over the years as his role in the Indian team has changed. Early in his career, he focused on swing and bowled at speeds between 125-130 km/h. As he matured, Kumar added a bit of pace to his arsenal to complement his swing and variations.
The table below summarizes the progression of Kumar’s bowling speed:
| Year | Average Speed (km/h) | Notable Changes |
|---|---|---|
| 2012-2015 | 125-130 km/h | Focus on swing, lower speeds |
| 2016-2018 | 130-135 km/h | Added pace, improved fitness |
| 2019-Present | 132-135 km/h | Consistent pace with smart variations |
Kumar’s improved fitness and increased focus on variations have helped him remain effective despite bowling in the medium-fast range.
Comparison with Other Indian Bowlers
To better understand Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s average bowling speed, let’s compare it with some of India’s other prominent bowlers:
| Bowler | Type | Average Speed (km/h) |
|---|---|---|
| Jasprit Bumrah | Fast bowler | 140-145 km/h |
| Mohammed Shami | Fast bowler | 138-142 km/h |
| Umesh Yadav | Fast bowler | 140-145 km/h |
| Ishant Sharma | Fast-medium | 135-140 km/h |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Medium-fast | 130-135 km/h |
While Kumar may not match the sheer pace of Bumrah or Shami, his ability to swing the ball and use variations makes him just as valuable, especially in conditions favoring swing bowling.
Notable Performances by Bhuvneshwar Kumar
5/42 vs South Africa (1st ODI, 2018)
Kumar bowled brilliantly in favorable conditions, picking up key wickets with controlled swing and variations.
6/82 vs England (2nd Test, 2014)
In overcast conditions at Lord’s, Kumar exploited the swing-friendly pitch, taking 6 wickets in the first innings.
4/29 vs Pakistan (Asia Cup, 2022)
Kumar’s accurate bowling and subtle pace variations proved decisive in a high-pressure T20I game.
These performances highlight Kumar’s ability to deliver match-winning spells with his unique skill set.
The Role of Swing in Modern Cricket
In modern cricket, where batters often dominate, swing bowling has become a vital skill for bowlers. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s success underscores the importance of mastering swing and control over line and length.
- New Ball Swing: Kumar is lethal with the new ball, especially in conditions that aid swing, such as England and New Zealand.
- Old Ball Variations: In limited-overs cricket, Kumar uses his slower deliveries, yorkers, and cutters to restrict batters in the death overs.
Conclusion
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s average bowling speed of 130-135 km/h may not place him among the fastest bowlers in the world, but his success lies in his ability to swing the ball, maintain accuracy, and use clever variations. Kumar’s skill set has made him one of the most valuable and consistent performers for the Indian cricket team across formats.
By focusing on his strengths—swing, precision, and intelligent bowling—Kumar has proven that pace alone does not define a great bowler. His career is a testament to the power of skill, strategy, and adaptability in modern cricket.
| Format | Average Speed (km/h) | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| Test Matches | 130-132 km/h | Swing, control over line/length |
| One Day Internationals | 132-134 km/h | Early breakthroughs, variations |
| T20 Internationals | 133-135 km/h | Death bowling, slower deliveries |
With a career built on precision and swing, Bhuvneshwar Kumar continues to inspire young bowlers to focus on skill and adaptability, proving that medium-fast bowlers can still excel in the modern era of cricket.
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