Dhoni Perfects Sweep Shot, Kumar Bowls to Full Tilt in Practice

Wednesday was the first time Bhuvneshwar wore bowling spikes and bowled from full run-up since his injury.

MS Dhoni and Bhuvneshwar Kumar tried hard during the practice session.

(Photo Courtesy: AP/Altered by The Quint)

Bhuvneshwar Kumar seemed to be exceptionally fit as he did single wicket bowling for a considerable time, with Chairman of Selectors MSK Prasad keeping wickets during India's training session on the eve of their World Cup clash against West Indies.

At the batting nets, it was Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who is not a natural sweeper of the cricket ball, trying the stroke against slow bowlers. Sweep is always considered to be an effective shot against spinners when the conventional shots don't fetch runs.

Prasad later also collected powerful throws from the deep as the reserve keeper Rishabh Pant got an extended run at the nets and also practiced out fielding, taking a few aerial catches.

Whether it is any indication or not can’t be ascertained as Vijay Shankar has been the Indian team management’s first choice and they haven’t shown any intent of changing the same. 

Wednesday, 26 June, was the first time Bhuvneshwar wore bowling spikes and bowled from full run-up as Prasad, a former India keeper, wore the big gloves.

The seamer, who had sustained an injury during India’s victory over Pakistan, seemed upbeat as he spoke to physio Patrick Farhart and bowling coach Bharath Arun.

In fact, Arun made it clear that if Bhuvneshwar is deemed fully match-fit, he will replace Mohammed Shami despite his last-over hat-trick against Afghanistan. However, there may be a possibility that India give him rest for one more game.

“Bhuvneshwar’s injury is not of any great concern. It is just a niggle for which we didn’t want to take a chance. And it was also an opportunity for us to plug Shami into the games. But the fact he’s done exceptionally well all goes well for us; it’s an embarrassment of riches.”

Bharat Arun, Indian Bowling Coach

“And we would take a call as per the conditions, but Bhuvi has done exceptionally well, so I think it's a pretty good headache to have,” he dropped a hint as to what he thought.