India vs New Zealand 2017: 5 things we learnt from the first ODI in Mumbai

#3 Bhuvneshwar's improving batting skills

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has added teeth to India's lower-order in recent times

Bhuvneshwar Kumar's cameo with the bat was among the very few positives for India from this match. Even though his impeccable death bowling might be alone to consolidate his place in the playing eleven, the technically solid right-hander has been working on his hard on his batting skills during the course of the last few series. The effort that he had been putting behind the scenes showed during the last few overs of the Indian innings.

Coming into the middle at the fall of Hardik Pandya's wicket in the 46th over, Bhuvneshwar swelled India's total by wielding the long handle in a diligent manner. He managed to smash two massive sixes against the likes of Adam Milne and Tim Southee. A couple of useful boundaries also meant that he finished with a valuable 15-ball 26 during the business stages of the innings. He is turning out to be a rather serviceable option to come in at number eight.