Bhuvneshwar Kumar was dropped from India's playing XI for the fourth T20I against New Zealand at Eden Park, Auckland on Friday (October 30). The team management decided to replace the veteran pacer with the young speedster Mayank Yadav.
Bhuvneshwar made his highly anticipated return to the national team after a four-year hiatus. However, his outing in the first three matches was heavily expensive. He managed to claim just one wicket while conceding 139 runs across 12 overs.
The right-arm seamer struggled significantly to adapt to New Zealand conditions, giving away runs at a costly economy rate of 11.58 per over (conceding 49, 50, and 40 runs respectively in his three appearances).
After his exclusion from the playing XI, former cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra questioned Bhuvneshwar’s comeback in the Indian team, stating that it not been up to the standards for the fans and the management.
“Prasidh Krishna has not been selected in the ODI team because he is injured. But, it’s not like Bhuvi has been picked in the one-day team. He has played three matches and has leaked so many runs that questions are being asked about his comeback. Amidst all this, he has been made to sit out, which only raises further questions about his comeback,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
“It almost seems like the Indian management is saying we have had enough. So, this comeback is not turning out the way the Indian fans were hoping for. It seems that there is a slight break here as far as his comeback is concerned,” Chopra added.
On the other hand, ex-India batter Ajinkya Rahane defended Bhuvneshwar Kumar, urging fans and critics not to write off the seasoned campaigner.
“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 emphasized that the biggest positive is Bhuvneshwar making an international return at age 36, adding that perseverance matters and form can change rapidly in T20 cricket.
“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 remarked.
Speaking of the fourth T20I, India conceded a massive 259/7 with the ball and lost the match by a heavy margin of 87 runs. It remains to be seen if Bhuvneshwar Kumar returns to India’s playing XI for the series finale, scheduled for Sunday (November 1) in Hamilton.
