Bhuvneshwar Kumar is likely to be dropped from India's T20I squad following a disappointing comeback during the five-match series against New Zealand. The 36-year-old struggled to contain runs on batting-friendly pitches and short boundaries during the series, which India won by a 3-1 margin.
New Zealand comfortably chased down a 192-run target in Hamilton on November 1, Sunday. Following three expensive opening matches, the Indian team management benched him for the fourth fixture in Auckland before his return for the final match. However, he conceded 41 runs without taking a wicket.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar had a difficult start to the series, conceding 139 runs in his first three matches while picking up just one wicket. He bowled 12 overs at an economy rate of 11.58, struggling to find his rhythm and contain New Zealand's batters.
The veteran pacer claimed his only wicket in the second T20I. However, he still conceded 50 runs in four overs and struggled to contain the scoring, particularly during the death overs.
Following three expensive outings, the team management dropped him for the fourth T20I in Auckland. However, he returned to the playing XI for the final match in Hamilton on November 1 and endured another difficult outing.
New Zealand comfortably chased India's target of 192, winning by seven wickets with two overs to spare. The pacer finished with figures of 4-0-41-0 at an economy rate of 10.25. He also scored six runs off four balls, including a boundary.
India to Move on From Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Bhuvneshwar Kumar's struggles raise questions about his place in India's T20I plans, particularly with the team looking to build a squad for the 2028 T20 World Cup. The veteran pacer is unlikely to be a long-term option in the shortest format.
Mayank picked up three wickets after replacing him in the fourth T20I in Auckland. Arshdeep Singh and Prince Yadav are also among the available choices in the pace department.
Bhuvneshwar's performances in New Zealand exposed his difficulty in handling flat surfaces and short boundaries. Modern international T20 cricket demands pacers who can offer consistent wicket-taking threats in different conditions.
Jasprit Bumrah Unlikely to Feature in Sri Lanka T20Is as India Prioritises Tests
Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah is highly unlikely to feature in India's upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka as the team management continues to manage his workload. The selection committee is prioritising his availability for red-ball cricket and major international tournaments.
India's five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia begins on January 21, 2027. The management wants Bumrah to be fresh and fully fit for the important Test assignment.
The medical staff at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence has adopted a cautious approach to his bowling workload to avoid unnecessary injury risks. With India also looking ahead to the 2027 ODI World Cup and other major tournaments, the management is keen to preserve Bumrah's fitness.
Consequently, he is unlikely to be considered for every bilateral T20I assignment, while the expensive New Zealand comeback could bring Bhuvneshwar Kumar's place in the national setup under scrutiny.
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