Bhuvneshwar Kumar expects to start World Cup campaign with a win against Proteas

Like evey team, India too wants a winning start to the World Cup 2019 campaign, says Bhuvneshwar Kumar. However , the fast bowler said that India is yet to finalise its plan for the match against South Africa. India will face South Africa on the June 5 at Hampshire Bowl, Southhampton.

India defeated South Africa with a 5-1 thrashing when the two heavy weights last met in early 2018, in a bilateral series, but South Africans were without their key players with Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers and Quinton de Kock all ruled out and were led by stand- in captain Aiden Markram.

“You always want to start with a win in the World Cup but right now, i cannot say what we are thinking or planning. We have a week to decide. When we practice or have meetings then we will decide what we need to do against South Africa and their individual players,” Bhuvneshwar said.

Having played in English conditions before, Bhuvneshwar has quickly gotten use to the atmosphere to figure out what he needs to do in the tournament. India lost its first warm up game against the Kiwis by 6 wickets. But the Virat Kolhi led team quickly recovered and secured a comfortable win against Bangladesh in their second warm up match.

“World Cup is a big platform. Yes, the pressure will be there but i am excited and confident as i have toured here earlier. I know English conditions. In these two warm up games i have acclimatised myself to know what needs to be done in the tournament,” Bhuvneshwar added

The Indian pacer further stressed that he is expecting a lot from himself for his batting. Bhuvneshwar has played some crucial knocks coming down the batting order and has been preparing himself in the nets.

"When it comes to batting, I have a lot of expectations from myself. I have played in some crucial matches which have boosted my confidence. I know my ability in batting. I am preparing in the nets so that if the team needs me I can step in," he said.

Bhuvneshwar along with Mohammed Shami and Bumrah from Indian bowling unit are aware of conditions in England and knows how it favours the pacers. Bhuvneshwar also noted how the three pacers help each others during the practice sessions and work on their skills.

"We all know English conditions help fast bowlers. Our (Shami, Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar) role will be crucial. We know as an individual what strength we have and what more we need to do in order to help the team."

"We share our experience which helps. If the ball swings it will give advantage to all. But we will see how conditions turn out to be. If it does, it will be an additional boost for bowlers," he added.