Bhuvneshwar Kumar (BCCI Photo)
The 36-year-old managed just one wicket in four matches and conceded 180 runs. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said Bhuvneshwar’s performances in the series were nowhere close to the form he showed in IPL 2026. Bhuvneshwar earned his India comeback after an impressive IPL 2026 season, where he picked up 28 wickets in 16 matches and was arguably the best bowler of the tournament. However, he gave away 50 runs in his four overs. The experienced pacer failed to take a wicket in the third T20I as well, conceding 40 runs. He missed the fourth match before returning for the series finale, where he again went wicketless and conceded 41 runs.
“Bhuvneshwar Kumar hasn’t bowled that well; he didn’t prove his form,” Ashwin said. Ravichandran Ashwin feels Bhuvneshwar Kumar could find it difficult to return to the Indian team after his disappointing comeback in the T20I series against New Zealand. The former India spinner believes the door may have closed for the experienced pacer and has backed Mohammed Shami to get another opportunity. Bhuvneshwar returned to India’s T20I side after a gap of four years but failed to make a strong impression. He picked up his only wicket of the series in the second match, dismissing Daryl Mitchell for six. He also explained why selectors could find it difficult to give an experienced player another opportunity after such a performance.