Bhuvi is a world-class bowler, says Warner

Sunrisers Hyderabad captain David Warner has praised seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, calling him a world-class bowler.

“Obviously Bhuvi [Bhuvneshwar Kumar] is in and out of the Indian team, but he is a world-class bowler. With the new ball as an opening batsman I would like to come up against him on a wicket like this because he sets the tone from ball one,” said Warner at the post-match press conference, after leading Sunrisers to their maiden IPL title at the Chinnaswamy stadium.

Warner said as a captain he has utmost faith in Bhuvneshwar’s abilities and passion for the game.

“I have got utmost faith in him and the way he plays his cricket. He is passionate. He loves the game and, I always rely on him towards the end,” the Australian said.

Warner led from the front with a sparkling 69 off 38 balls before Bhuvneshwar and Mustafizur Rahman bowled brilliantly in the death over to register eight-run win over Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL final last night.

Defending 208 to claim their maiden IPL title, Hyderabad restricted Virat Kohli’s RCB to 200 for seven. Warner was also effusive in praise for young left-arm pacer Mustafizur, who formed a lethal combination along side Bhuvneshwar (23 wickets) for Sunrisers this season.

“Obviously, Mustafizur Rahman is a promising player for Bangladesh. It is a credit to him that he has played outstanding cricket along with Bhuvi. Hope he keeps fit and strong for future games.”

Chasing the 208 for seven set by Sunrsiers, RCB at one stage were cruising at 114 for one with Chris Gayle at his lethal best. When asked on what he was thinking at that stage, he said: “Our quest was to maintain composure while Chris Gayle was going after our bowling. I spoke to the bowlers to bowl wide and slower balls but despite that he (Gayle) was striking the ball with power. But we knew if we could get quick wickets, it would be hard on the next batsmen to play shots.”

Warner attributes their success to team effort. “It’s not about me, it’s about the team. It takes team effort to win a tournament. It is a family effort and that’s why we have laid our claim on the title,” he said.