5 positives for India from the Kolkata Test

#3 Bhuvneshwar deserves a regular starting spot

Kumar has been in and out of the Test side

Bhuvneshwar Kumar was brought into this Test match in the place of express bowler Umesh Yadav and Kumar, with his bowling, might just have managed to edge Umesh out of the team for good.

His five-for in the first innings was a delight for every cricket fan. It was pace bowling at its best on display, as Kumar bowled with immaculate control and discipline in line and length. He troubled the batsmen throughout, made them play at everything and did not gift any freebies.

He continued his good form in the second innings as he grabbed the wicket of first innings top-scorer Jeetan Patel and was unlucky not to add a few more wickets to his name.

Special mention for local boy Mohammad Shami who grabbed three wickets of his own in both innings as he ran in tirelessly throughout the day troubling players with serious pace and bounce.

Bhuvi’s contribution with the bat was also an important factor, as he scored 23 runs, putting on a decent stand with Saha to set up this win for the home team.

He has made the most of the opportunities that he has been given post-injury and deserves a longer run in the playing XI.