Top 5 expert reactions to Bhuvneshwar Kumar's unimpressive comeback in NZ vs IND 2026 T20Is

Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has made a much-deserved comeback to the Indian team after a gap of nearly four years. Despite his age (36 years), the selectors found it difficult to ignore the seasoned pacer's impressive performances in back-to-back IPL seasons for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) - 17 wickets in 2025 and 28 in 2026.

There were high hopes from Bhuvneshwar when he was recalled to represent the Men in Blue again. However, his comeback has not gone according to plans so far. The right-arm pacer registered figures of 0-49 from four overs in Christchurch in the first T20I. He followed it up with 1-50 from four overs in the second T20I at the same venue.

A number of former cricketers have shared their views on Bhuvneshwar's below par comeback. On that note, let's take a look at the top five expert reactions to the pacer's performance following his return to the Indian team.

#1 Ravichandran Ashwin

Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin reckons that Bhuvneshwar is unlikely to make much impact in international cricket unless he increases his pace. Admitting that he was among the ones who had backed Bhuvneshwar's comeback, Ashwin added that the veteran pacer's execution has not been all that impressive. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said:

"Bhuvneshwar and Arshdeep started well. Bhuvi is missing some luck. He is not executing very well in certain pockets. I have backed him and wanted his comeback. But if he bowls at this pace, it is difficult for him. This is my concern. He has skills and can make the ball swing. But he has to nudge 134, 135, 136. Then he will become more dangerous. That's not happening."

After going wicketless in the first T20I, Bhuvneshwar dismissed Daryl Mitchell in the second T20I. However, he ended up proving very expensive, finishing with an economy rate of 12.50.

#2 Mohammad Kaif

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has urged fans and experts to show patience with Bhuvneshwar. Pointing out that there is a vast difference in the IPL and international cricket, he added that conditions in New Zealand have also been pretty good for batting. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said:

"He is coming back after four years. Give him some time. It has been only two games. Cricket changes a lot in four years. We feel that he will pick a wicket on the very first ball. The game has gone to new heights. Playing in the IPL and playing for India is very different. People thought the ball would swing a lot in New Zealand, but the batting conditions are actually good here. Right away, he is back against a strong team."

Bhuvneshwar bowled three wides and one no ball in his four-over spell in Christchurch in the second T20I.

#3 Aakash Chopra

Former India opener Aakash Chopra stated that while it is too early to draw a conclusion on Bhuvneshwar's comeback, the signs are somewhat concerning. He opined that if the pacer continues to be expensive, India will have to start looking elsewhere. In a video on his YouTube channel, he said:

"I want to talk about Bhuvi's comeback. He has bowled eight overs and has given almost 100 runs. From what we have seen so far, it looks like finding rhythm in international cricket is not easy or simple. It is a small sample size, so I am not going to call it yet. But is he actually back? If he is not going to be part of your ODI setup and keeps giving 50 runs like this, then you might have to look in another direction. This is one question now."

Bhuvneshwar has played seven T20Is in New Zealand and has claimed five wickets at an average of 51.80 and an economy rate of 9.59.

#4 Irfan Pathan

Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan has urged the Indian management to persist with Bhuvneshwar for the remaining T20Is in New Zealand despite his underwhelming comeback. Irfan stated that since the veteran pacer has been recalled after such a long gap, he deserves a fair run to prove himself. Irfan told Cricinfo:

"See, you have brought in a senior player, so you should make him play all the matches. I personally want to see how many young fast bowlers come into the team and how they play. The more they play, the more difficult the tour, the better. But you have selected a senior player. You didn't select him to keep him outside."

While Bhuvneshwar has picked up one wicket in two games at an economy rate of 12.38, left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh has claimed three scalps at an economy rate of 9.75.

#5 Tim Southee

Former New Zealand pacer Tim Southee has also backed Bhuvneshwar despite his disappointing returns since his comeback to the Indian team. Terming the 36-year-old's comeback as a much-deserved one, Southee told HT:

“You look at his skill and experience that is vitally important in Jasprit Bumrah’s absence. So, I think it's been a very well-deserved recall. He's been one of the top performers in the IPL for the last few years. I think he'll bounce back. It's his first time back playing international cricket for a while. So, I'm sure he'll have an impact at some stage in the series."

Bhuvneshwar has featured in 90 T20Is so far and has claimed 91 wickets at an average of 23.93 and an economy rate of 7.10, with two five-fers and three four-fers.

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