AHMEDABAD
Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar believes Bengaluru’s failure to take early wickets was the primary reason for their four-wicket loss to Gujarat. Speaking after the game, the Purple Cap holder explained that trying to save runs on a small total was never going to work against a powerful batting side.
Bengaluru struggled to defend a target of 155, with the Titans reaching the mark in less than 16 overs. Bhuvneshwar defended the team’s tactical choices, including the decision to keep spinner Krunal Pandya away from the crease. He noted that the captain opted for bowlers who offered the best chance of a breakthrough. According to the veteran, the only way to win was to bowl the opposition out, not to slow them down.
The pacer also stood by his batting unit, which has been strong throughout the season. He reminded critics that while the batters fell short, they have consistently scored over 200 runs in previous matches. He viewed the performance as a rare off-day in a long and grueling tournament.
Bhuvneshwar also highlighted the impact of dew, which has made chasing much easier for teams this year. Despite the loss, he remains the tournament’s leading wicket-taker. However, the 36-year-old insisted that personal glory no longer drives him. He stated that his only focus is helping his team secure another title, noting that individual awards feel better when the team is actually winning games.