Watch: Swing King Bhuvneshwar Kumar Stuns Batters with Magical Spell in UP T20 League Thriller

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Summary

Bhuvneshwar Kumar once again reminded fans of his legendary skillset in the UP T20 League, delivering a magical spell that bamboozled batters and left spectators in awe. The veteran Indian pacer, who has long been known for his swing and precision, showed flashes of his vintage brilliance on Friday night, August 22, when Lucknow Falcons took on Gaur Gorakhpur Lions at the Ekana Stadium.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s Vintage Spell of Swing

Fans of Indian cricket have always associated Bhuvneshwar Kumar with unplayable swing bowling, and the seasoned campaigner did not disappoint in this encounter. Representing Lucknow Falcons, the right-arm seamer rolled back the years with a superb opening spell.

He repeatedly troubled opener Aryan Juyal with his classical outswing deliveries, consistently beating the bat and forcing the youngster into survival mode. At one point, Juyal appeared completely clueless, unable to gauge whether the ball would swing away or nip back in.

Despite his dominance, Bhuvneshwar was unlucky not to pick up a wicket, as edges either fell short or flew past fielders. However, his economy was outstanding, finishing with figures of 4-0-16-0, conceding just one boundary in the entire spell.

Falcons Post a Strong Total, But Lions Roar Back

The Lucknow Falcons, powered by aggressive batting performances, set a competitive total of 182 runs. With a solid foundation laid by their top order, the Falcons seemed in control for most of the first innings.

However, the Gaur Gorakhpur Lions staged a sensational comeback in the chase. Siddharth Yadav, only 22 years old, produced a jaw-dropping innings of 88 off 45 balls*, showcasing fearless hitting against the spinners in particular. His fireworks turned the game on its head.

Yadav’s Heroics Seal a Thriller

The climax of the match was nothing short of extraordinary. With the Lions needing 22 runs in the final over, Yadav held his nerve and displayed supreme confidence.

He smashed three sixes and a four in dramatic fashion, sealing a stunning victory for Gaur Gorakhpur Lions with balls to spare. The crowd at Ekana Stadium erupted as Yadav walked off unbeaten, having single-handedly dismantled the Falcons’ bowling attack in the death overs.

Despite Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s brilliance with the new ball, the Falcons couldn’t defend their total and were left heartbroken after a memorable thriller.

Bhuvneshwar Not in India Contention

While fans rejoiced watching Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s spell of artistry, questions lingered about his absence from the Indian setup.

The pacer was a standout performer in the IPL 2025, bagging 17 wickets and even winning the title with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Yet, he remains out of contention for India’s white-ball squads.

His last appearance for India in ODIs came in 2022 against South Africa at Paarl, while his last T20I was in 2018 at Johannesburg. Despite consistent performances in domestic cricket and franchise leagues, the selectors have opted for younger options.

India’s Asia Cup 2025 Fast Bowling Attack

The Indian team management has invested in a new generation of fast bowlers for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. The current lineup features:

Jasprit Bumrah – India’s pace spearhead and match-winner across formats.
Arshdeep Singh – The left-arm seamer who has established himself in the T20I format.
Hardik Pandya – The all-rounder who provides balance with both bat and ball.
Harshit Rana – The young quick making waves with his raw pace and aggression.

Notably, Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s name is missing, signaling that selectors are looking ahead to the future.

Final Word

The UP T20 League 2025 clash between Lucknow Falcons and Gaur Gorakhpur Lions was a cricketing spectacle filled with drama, skill, and breathtaking moments. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s magical spell of swing reminded fans why he is still considered one of the most skillful bowlers of his generation.

Even though the Falcons fell short and Siddharth Yadav stole the limelight with his match-winning 88*, Bhuvi’s performance stood out as a masterclass in control, accuracy, and swing bowling.

For Indian cricket fans, his form is a nostalgic throwback to the days when he rattled top international batters. And while he may not be part of the Asia Cup 2025 squad, his passion and performances ensure he remains a beloved figure in the Indian cricketing landscape.

Note: All information and images used in this content are sourced from Google. They are used here for informational and illustrative purposes only.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How did Bhuvneshwar Kumar perform in the UP T20 League match?

Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowled a brilliant opening spell for Lucknow Falcons against Gaur Gorakhpur Lions. He troubled opener Aryan Juyal with consistent swing bowling and conceded only 16 runs in his four overs, including just one boundary. However, he was unlucky not to pick up a wicket.

2. Which team won the UP T20 League match between Lucknow Falcons and Gaur Gorakhpur Lions?

Gaur Gorakhpur Lions won the match in thrilling fashion. Chasing 182, Siddharth Yadav scored a match-winning 88* off 45 balls to guide his team to victory with three sixes and a four in the final over.

3. Who was the star of the match?

While Bhuvneshwar Kumar impressed with the ball, the star of the match was Siddharth Yadav, who played a sensational unbeaten knock of 88 runs off 45 balls to secure a stunning win for Gaur Gorakhpur Lions.

4. Is Bhuvneshwar Kumar part of India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad?

No, Bhuvneshwar Kumar is not part of India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad. Despite taking 17 wickets in IPL 2025 and showcasing form in domestic cricket, he has not been selected for the national team.

5. When did Bhuvneshwar Kumar last play for India?

Bhuvneshwar Kumar last played an ODI for India in 2022 against South Africa in Paarl. His last T20I appearance was in 2018 against South Africa at Johannesburg.