Ravichandran Ashwin feels Bhuvneshwar Kumar could find it difficult to return to the Indian team after his disappointing comeback in the T20I series against New Zealand. The former India spinner believes the door may have closed for the experienced pacer and has backed Mohammed Shami to get another opportunity.Bhuvneshwar returned to India’s T20I side after a gap of four years but failed to make a strong impression. The 36-year-old managed just one wicket in four matches and conceded 180 runs.Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin said Bhuvneshwar’s performances in the series were nowhere close to the form he showed in IPL 2026.“Bhuvneshwar Kumar hasn’t bowled that well; he didn’t prove his form,” Ashwin said.“There was a night and day difference between his IPL form and here (New Zealand series). I think that chapter is maybe closed. It’s very difficult. How will he come back?” he added.
Bhuvneshwar fails to make an impact
Bhuvneshwar earned his India comeback after an impressive IPL 2026 season, where he picked up 28 wickets in 16 matches and was arguably the best bowler of the tournament.However, he struggled to carry that form into the New Zealand series. In the opening T20I, he went wicketless and conceded 49 runs in four overs at an economy rate of 12.25.He picked up his only wicket of the series in the second match, dismissing Daryl Mitchell for six. However, he gave away 50 runs in his four overs.The experienced pacer failed to take a wicket in the third T20I as well, conceding 40 runs. He missed the fourth match before returning for the series finale, where he again went wicketless and conceded 41 runs.Overall, he finished the series with one wicket and an economy rate of 11.50.
Ashwin questions Bhuvneshwar’s preparation
Ashwin felt the difference in Bhuvneshwar’s bowling intensity and speed was a major concern. He also questioned whether the pacer had prepared well enough before the series.“Leave performance, leave giving extra runs. It’s not that. What was disappointing, I felt the way he bowls in the IPL – the intensity, his run-up speed was lower, and his bowling speed was also lower. That tells me maybe he didn’t come in prime training form for this series,” Ashwin pointed out.He also explained why selectors could find it difficult to give an experienced player another opportunity after such a performance.“If that’s the condition, the selectors will also think, ‘Is this the way’? If you’re a new kid or a young boy, you’ll get ten chances. But you’re an experienced guy coming back,” he further said.
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Ashwin backs Shami for India return
Ashwin believes Mohammed Shami could now have a stronger case for an India comeback than Bhuvneshwar.Shami has not played for India in more than a year and a half but has shown good rhythm while representing Bengal in the ongoing Ranji Trophy.“Right now I’m thinking that the way Shami is coming in Ranji and bowling, he is in much better rhythm (than Bhuvneshwar),” Ashwin stated.India’s next T20I assignment will be a three-match home series against Sri Lanka in December.