15 to 87: The logic behind Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s new jersey number

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has spent years mastering the art of making life difficult for batsmen. But when it came to choosing a jersey number, the Indian pacer had to do a different calculation.

There was logic behind his choice. The number had to add up to six.

NZ vs IND 2nd T20I: Update | Scorecard

“I wanted the total to be six because I tried several numbers, including 15, but they were already taken by other players. This was the only number left to six, so I think that’s why I chose it. I’m also used to seeing 15,” Bhuvneshwar said.

It was an unusual little detail from a bowler whose game was built on accuracy, discipline and the ability to find the right length when the batsmen were looking to attack. However, the number wasn’t the only thing that needed getting used to.

Bhuvneshwar revealed that having his surname printed on the back of the jersey was also an adjustment.

“Initially I didn’t even have Kumar on the jersey. It took me a while to get used to this being my jersey and wearing it,” he said.

CHANGING THE GAME

Personal details aside, Bhuvneshwar has also watched the game change around him. The IPL in particular has played a significant role in his development as a cricketer, especially as the balance between bat and ball continues to shift.

“I have developed a lot and I think the IPL has played a huge role in that,” he said.

The introduction of the Impact Player rule has further encouraged batsmen to go the aggressive route, with many looking to attack from the first delivery. For pitchers, this has meant constantly adapting to a game in which conventional standards are challenged.

However, Bhuvneshwar does not believe that bowlers should simply accept that they are at the mercy of attacking batsmen.

“I know the Impact Player rule is there, but it has opened up the mindset of the batsmen a lot. They go for the ball from the first delivery. But I’ve always believed that we tend to treat bowlers as victims, but they’re not,” he said.

“As a pitcher, you can control the game and make the batters hit where you want.

It is a perspective shaped by experience. Operating across formats and various phases of T20 cricket, Bhuvneshwar has seen the demands on bowlers grow as batting strategies become more aggressive.

The answer for him lies in understanding the competition in a different way than admitting that the format belongs to the batsmen.

“I think it’s just a matter of perspective and understanding what we have to do as pitchers,” he said.

WHEN 200 IS NOT ENOUGH

The numbers tell their own story. Scores that once seemed formidable are increasingly becoming targets that teams believe they can chase down, especially in T20 cricket. The shift isn’t limited to franchise competitions either.

“There is no doubt that the game has evolved significantly in the last four years. And it’s not just franchise cricket, international cricket has also evolved,” Bhuvneshwar said.

“The way scores are done now, 200 has almost become a par score. You feel like even 200 is not enough sometimes. But yes, the game has evolved over time.”

For a pitcher who has built his career on movement, control and the ability to think above batters, the challenge is to constantly evolve alongside the game.

His jersey number may have been chosen by a simple calculation, but his approach to bowling rests on a more complex equation: adapting to the changing demands of T20 cricket without relinquishing control of the competition.

As batsmen continue to push the boundaries of scoring, Bhuvneshwar’s message remains clear. Pitchers aren’t just there to prevent damage. They still have the power to dictate how the game will evolve.

– The end