Bhuvneshwar Kumar (BCCI Photo)
Bhuvneshwar Kumar ’s return to India’s T20I setup has not gone according to plan, with former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin delivering a blunt assessment of the veteran pacer’s performance in the third T20I against New Zealand.
The 36-year-old has conceded 139 runs in 12 overs across his first three outings, picking up just one wicket at an economy rate of 11.58. His struggles continued in the third T20I, where he finished with figures of 0/40 in four overs as New Zealand posted 199/5. India chased down the target to take a 3-0 lead in the series. Bhuvneshwar conceded 49 runs without taking a wicket in the opening T20I, followed by 50 runs and one wicket in the second match. He then went wicketless again in the third game, giving away 40 runs. His expensive start has raised questions over his effectiveness in the side, particularly with India having already taken an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series. Earlier reporting noted: Bhuvneshwar conceded 49, 50 and 40 runs across his first three matches, managing just one wicket.
Speaking on SonyLIV after the match, Ashwin described Bhuvneshwar’s latest outing as a “miss”, pointing to a noticeable drop in pace and the absence of his trademark swing. He swung the ball and bowled the third over inside the Powerplay in the previous game,” Ashwin said. Bhuvneshwar Kumar would certainly know what he could have done better,” Rahane said on his YouTube channel. Earlier reporting noted: Rahane said Bhuvneshwar’s return itself deserved recognition, adding that the pacer should be appreciated for continuing to work towards representing India rather than being written off after a difficult series.
Bhuvneshwar, who returned to the national side after nearly four years, has struggled to make an impact in the ongoing five-match series. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines “Bhuvneshwar Kumar in his third match is a miss for me. Look, anybody can go for runs. I would actually take the previous two games of Bhuvi. I thought he bowled really well upfront. Ashwin acknowledged that conceding runs is part of a bowler’s game but felt Bhuvneshwar looked short of his best during the third T20I. “So, it’s very understandable to have one bad over in the back half, but in this game, I thought his pace was down. The swing was missing. Just didn’t look like he was running up to the crease as well as he could. Looked a bit off, and I think it’s been a very big miss,” he added. The numbers underline the challenges faced by the experienced seamer since his return. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app. the veteran pacer appeared short of rhythm in other phases of the game While he showed glimpses of his ability to generate swing with the new ball. He is an experienced player and would certainly reflect on where he fell short and what he could have done better. As far as his performances are concerned, ups and downs are part of the game. Sometimes, as a bowler, you may not find your rhythm, but that is no reason to write him off.
Earlier reporting noted: “I don’t think we should judge him or overthink how he has bowled.