Former India cricketer Kris Srikkanth stated that he feels bad and was highly disappointed by how Bhuvneshwar Kumar performed on his India comeback in the recent T20I series in New Zealand.
Bhuvneshwar returned to the T20I side of India after a hiatus of four years, and the selection committee decided to bring back the seasoned player to strengthen the bowling unit in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah.
Kumar, who won back-to-back IPLs with RCB, played four out of five T20Is but managed only one wicket while conceding 180 runs in 16 overs, at an economy of 11.25. The veteran found things difficult on his return to international cricket and failed to provide the control and breakthroughs expected of him.
"Bhuvneshwar Kumar was a big disappointment. I expected that he would bowl well in New Zealand conditions. I am highly disappointed. I am feeling bad for him. Yes, he played four matches. Now, what will happen? When the next selection comes, I don't think he will be in the scheme of things at all. They say we gave him a chance, and he conceded runs," Srikkanth said on his YouTube show.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar had picked 45 wickets for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their two IPL wins in 2025 and 2026. He earned his India recall thanks to this performance and also to the UPT20 League.
Srikkanth asked whether the selection committee would be as patient with Bhuvneshwar as may be needed to help a seasoned player regain his rhythm. He further pointed to the scarce chances handed to young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as an illustration of what he regards as an inconsistent selection policy.
"I am not saying no. But, looking at how the selection committee is working, I don't see him getting two-three series (a longer rope). Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is not getting more than two matches. How do you think Bhuvi will get more matches? I am not saying no (he hadn't had a lot of match practice after the IPL). I am a big Bhuvneshwar Kumar fan, but I am a little disappointed that he didn't do well,” Srikkanth added.
The five-match T20I series was won by India with a margin of 3-2, but their bowling lineup came under the scanner as they conceded over 180 runs in all five matches. The fourth T20I match played in Auckland proved to be disastrous for India, as they conceded 259 runs.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar was not picked for the five-match ODI series between New Zealand and India. He has expressed a desire to return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, providing him the opportunity to regain fitness and rhythm.
It remains to be seen whether Bhuvneshwar Kumar will be picked for India’s next T20I series, which is scheduled at home against Sri Lanka from December 22 to 27.
