Bhuvneshwar Kumar Rested After 3 T20I Games Post Comeback, Ex-India Star Raises Some Important 'Questions'
While his return was seen as a potential solution to India's bowling concerns, Bhuvneshwar Kumar's performances in the first three T20Is against New Zealand left much to be desired.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar's recall to India's T20I setup was celebrated across the cricket fraternity, with many praising the veteran pacer for his grit and determination in earning a comeback at the age of 36 after spending four years on the sidelines. While his return was seen as a potential solution to India's bowling concerns, his performances in the first three T20Is against New Zealand left much to be desired. After returning figures of 0/49, 1/50 and 0/40, Bhuvneshwar was eventually dropped/rested by the team management for the fourth match in Auckland, which India lost by a crushing 87-run margin.
However, his exclusion certainly raised questions about his long-term future in India's T20I setup. Former India batter Aakash Chopra was quick to question the management's decision to bench him for the fourth T20I, while also pointing out that Bhuvneshwar is not part of India's plans in the ODI format.
"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.
Chopra also suggested that Bhuvneshwar's omission could be a sign that the team management has already begun to lose faith in the veteran pacer.
"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," he added.
Despite the defeat in Auckland, India have an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series. The final match will be played on Sunday at the same venue.
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