‘No reason to write him off’: Ajinkya Rahane urges patience with Bhuvneshwar Kumar after tough comeback

Bhuvneshwar Kumar of India (Photo by AP/PTI) Ajinkya Rahane has backed Bhuvneshwar Kumar despite the veteran pacer’s expensive return to international cricket and urged critics not to judge him too harshly after three tough matches in the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand.Bhuvneshwar conceded 49, 50 and 40 runs in his first three matches and managed only one wicket. While he showed flashes of his ability to generate swing with the new ball, the veteran pacer seemed to lack rhythm at other stages of the game.However, Rahane believes that a few sub-par performances should not overshadow Bhuvneshwar’s experience or his determination to make a comeback in Indian colours.“I don’t think we should judge him or overthink the way he bowled. He is an experienced player and he would definitely reflect on where he fell short and what he could have done better. When it comes to his performances, ups and downs are part of the game. Sometimes as a bowler you might not find your rhythm but that’s no reason to write him off. Bhuvneshwar Rahane would definitely know what he could have done better on his YouTube channel.

“We should learn from this”

Rahane said that Bhuvneshwar’s comeback alone deserves credit and added that the pacer should be appreciated for continuing to work to represent India rather than being written off after a tough series.“For me, the biggest story is that he has come back at this age. We should learn from this that as a bowler you should never give up. Do your job and things will eventually fall into place. You never know, he could get five wickets in the next game and things can change instantly. Bhuvneshwar is a bowler who certainly reflects his game, but he is also generally confident and self-assured.”Bhuvneshwar has had some success with the new ball during the series, but his struggle to suppress the opposition has come against the backdrop of increasingly friendly T20 cricket.India’s dominance with the bat underlined the challenge facing bowlers in the format. The hosts made 225 in the opening T20I, followed it up with 180 in the second game and then produced another emphatic performance in the third game.India sealed the five-match series with two matches remaining after Abhishek Sharma smashed 113 and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi contributed 45 in the third T20I in Wellington. The opening pair put together 118 runs in the powerplay as India chased down a target of 199 in just 13.2 overs.

Rahane praises Arshdeep Singh

While Bhuvneshwar endured a difficult run, Rahane was impressed by fellow left-armer Arshdeep Singh, who struck with the ball during the series.“Talking about Arshdeep, he looked in very good form and showed great rhythm. He picked up wickets in the power bowl, both in the previous match and in the third T20I. He is a very important player for the Indian team. He has played more than 100 T20Is and is nearing the 150-wicket mark,” Rahane said.India will take on New Zealand in the fourth T20I in Auckland on Friday, with the visitors all but assured of a series win. The remaining matches will give Bhuvneshwar another opportunity to find his rhythm and respond to the criticism surrounding his comeback.