When he arrived at the crease with India 235 for seven in the second innings, the tourists' lead was a precarious 211 and the second ball was just 2.4 overs old.
Not only did Kumar weather the storm, albeit with a few fortuitous edges to begin with, but posted a 99 run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja to virtually guide the game out of England's grasp.
If the swing merchant of Meerut persists in such vein, he would open up options for India's tour selectors to promote him in the batting order.
Stuart Binny deserves another Test. However, should the Indians decide to opt for the genuine pace of Varun Aaron instead, Bhuvneshwar could conceivably be considered for the number eight position.
Meanwhile, now that he has set up a possible Indian victory in the second Test with the bat, it would be fitting if he finishes the job with the ball.
