Ajinkya Rahane, former India cricketer, has stated that despite Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s struggles in the ongoing T20I series between New Zealand and India, critics shouldn’t judge the veteran pacer harshly. India has a lead of 3-0 in the five-T20I series, with the fourth game scheduled on October 30 in Auckland.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar made his comeback to the Indian team after four years but has struggled with the ball, conceding 49, 50, and 40 runs across his first three matches, managing just one wicket.
Although he displayed flashes of his knack for generating swing with the new ball, the seasoned pacer looked short of rhythm in other phases of the game. However, Rahane feels that a few subpar performances should not eclipse Bhuvneshwar's experience or his resolve to return to the Indian side.
“I don’t think we should judge him or overthink how he has bowled. 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. Bhuvneshwar Kumar would certainly know what he could have done better,” Rahane said on his YouTube channel.
Rahane stated that Bhuvneshwar's comeback was worthy of acknowledgment in itself and added that the pacer ought to be commended for persisting in his efforts to play for India rather than being dismissed following a tough series.
“For me, the biggest story is that he has made a comeback at this age. We should learn from this that, as a bowler, you must never give up. Keep doing your job, and things will eventually fall into place. You never know; he could take five wickets in the next match, and things could change immediately. Bhuvneshwar is a bowler who certainly reflects on his game, but he is also confident in his abilities and is a confident person overall,” Rahane added.
Bhuvneshwar has found some success with the new ball in this series, but his difficulties in restricting the opposition have occurred against the background of T20 cricket becoming ever more favorable to batters.
Although Bhuvneshwar went through a tough spell, Rahane was impressed by fellow left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, who made his mark with the ball during the series.
“Talking about Arshdeep, he looked in very good form and displayed a great rhythm. He picked up wickets in the powerplay, both in the previous match and in the third T20I. He is a very important player for the Indian team. He has played more than 100 T20Is and is approaching the 150-wicket mark,” Rahane said.
The rest of the matches will offer Bhuvneshwar another chance to regain his rhythm and answer the criticism surrounding his return.
