Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s fifer decimates Bengal in Ranji Trophy

Experienced campaigner Bhuvneshwar Kumar swatted away Bengal with an impressive five-wicket haul as Uttar Pradesh bounced back after being torpedoed for 60 on the opening day of their group B match on Friday. Indian pacer Mohammed Shami’s younger brother Mohammed Kaif was the pick of the bowlers for Bengal, claiming 4/14 in his 5.5 overs. Bhuvneshwar then starred on first-class return by arresting 5/25 from 13 overs, including three maiden overs.

The 33-year-old, who last played for India in Tests on the South African tour in 2018, dismissed Sourav Paul (13) and Sudip Gharami (0) in a matter of three balls. He then returned to remove Anustup Majumdar (12), captain Manoj Tiwary (3) and Abhishek Porel (12) in a burst of exceptional seam bowling which led him to his 13th first-class fifer.

As India’s five-match home Test series against England approaches near and doubts encircle Mohammed Shami’s return, it remains to be seen if the selectors are interested in reconsidering Bhuvneshwar after Friday’s hit show.