Bhuvi is a massive contender to start every Test even in overseas conditions: Kohli

INDIA SKIPPER heaped praise on Bhuvneshwar Kumar after the paceman picked four wickets in both innings, in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Kolkata.

While the match ended in a draw, the 27-year-old finished with figures of four for eight in the second innings. Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, Kohli praised the seamer for picking up pace and bowling in the right areas. The prolific batsman also mentioned that Bhuvi has become a massive contender to start every Test and that he will do the team good in overseas conditions.

"Bhuvneshwar has picked up pace. Bowls heavier balls than before and hits the right areas. He's grabbing his chances and is a massive contender to start every Test match for India. He'll do us good in overseas conditions, and not just in home conditions. He's going to be an important part of our plan going forward in all formats. He's doing well in the shorter formats and now 8 wickets in this Test. Credit to him; he's working hard and it's paying for him.”

Bhuvneshwar was adjudged with the Man of the Match award for his impressive bowling figures. Interestingly, it is the first time an Indian pacer has picked four wickets in both innings after Mohammed Shami’s similar feat in 2013. Bhuvi said that the reverse swing helped him attack the Lankan batsmen.

"It was difficult to bowl in the second innings because the ball was coming onto the bat. There was reverse swing, so looked to make the most out of it. When I made my debut, I was dependant on swing. There were areas I wanted to improve and those things are paying off. When we went in, Virat said - just imagine if you were playing in the same situation, it's never easy. So we went in with that mindset."