IPL 2017: Determined to contribute in death overs, says Bhuvneshwar Kumar

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Hyderabad, April 4: Seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who played a vital role in Sunrisers Hyderabad's success last IPL, is determined to contribute in the upcoming edition, particularly in death overs.

Schedule; Squads; Photos; Full schedule for SRH

"This year is going to be a challenge because we have done so well last year. So, there is going to be expectations from us. If we don't deliver, it does not mean we are not good at it or that was a fluke. It's going to be an added responsibility this year to replicate the same thing," he told reporters.

Death bowling plays an important role in the success of a team in the T20 format, he said. "Last year, it was good for us as a bowling unit, as a batting unit as well. If you look particularly at death areas, that was one of the positive things for us. [Preview: Hyderabad Vs Bangalore]

"If you want to win the matches in T20 format, you have to bowl really well in last four to five overs and that thing we did really well, including myself, Fizz (Mustafizzur Rahman), (Ashish) Nehra and (Barinder) Sran," Bhuvneshwar said.

SRH take on Royal Challengers Bangalore in the season opener at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket stadium tomorrow.

The absence of RCB's main players, including captain Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, is an advantage for SRH, but they cannot take things for granted, Bhuvneshwar said.

"Everyone wants to win IPL. But, we know that it's not going to be easy. Last year wasn't easy. First match is against RCB. Two, three main players are not playing.

"So, we can take advantage of that. It does not mean that we can win the match. We have to play to our potential to win the match. Hoping for positive things," he said.

Bhuvneshwar said it feels good to go into IPL after doing well for the national side in a bilateral series against Australia.

PTI