Bhuvneshwar Kumar had denied reports on him looking to quit Test cricket to focus on limited-overs format.
Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has slammed the journalists for spreading rumors with unverified reports. He talked about the rumors on Bhuvneshwar Kumar looking to quit Test cricket to focus on limited-overs format.
A report had said that Bhuvneshwar has not been selected in the Indian squad for the tour of England because he does not want to play Tests. Chopra commented on the rumor and said that people should verify their sources before making claims as it can spoil players' limited career span.
While speaking during a YouTube channel, Chopra said, "Bhuvneshwar Kumar has said that he has not mentioned that he doesn't want to play Tests, he can't do anything if he is not played. I really hope all people who spread rumors verify their sources because you don't want to spoil players' limited career span. They already have enough pressure, your pressure is baseless."
Bhuvneshwar had denied the report saying he continues to prepare for all three formats irrespective of team selections, and he questioned which “sources” have given the information that he is focused on T20s.
Chopra expressed his sympathy and added, "This is a problem that it is someone's brainchild and you run it as a story. And after that, it spreads like wildfire and the person is left to just douse the fire. So, I sympathize with Bhuvneshwar Kumar," added Chopra.
In a recent press conference before the first ODI against Sri Lanka, Bhuvneshwar said he is not prioritizing limited-overs cricket over Test cricket.
"To be honest, I'm not prioritizing white-ball over red-ball. If I am selected for red-ball cricket, I'll definitely contribute. I'm not looking to prioritize one of the two. I'm just working normally, trying to prepare in a way that I'm ready for all formats. If I get a chance, I'd like to do well. I'm not looking ahead to what will happen in 18-20 months."