Bhuvneshwar Kumar has played his last match for India, Ashwin fears

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes that Bhuvneshwar Kumar has played his last match for the Indian national team. Bhuvneshwar, who returned to the T20I squad after two brilliant seasons in the Indian Premier League, failed to impress in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand.

The boundary distances perhaps did not allow Bhuvneshwar to bowl the usual lengths where he could keep the ball full and find swing. This resulted in him resorting to shorter deliveries which the New Zealand batsmen were able to attack.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin was particularly concerned about the difference between the fast bowler’s IPL performances and his performances in the international series. The former spinner felt that Bhuvneshwar’s comeback did not go as expected and questioned whether there was a way back for the veteran pacer.

“Bhuvneshwar Kumar didn’t play that well, he didn’t show his form,” Ashwin said.

“There was a night and day difference between his IPL form and here (the New Zealand series). I think that chapter is maybe closed. It’s very difficult. How will he come back?” he added.

BHUVNESHWAR DOESN’T PRODUCE IPL FORM

Bhuvneshwar has made a strong case for India’s comeback with his performances in IPL 2026. Playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Temper took 28 wickets in 16 matches and was among the top bowlers of the tournament.

However, he struggled to reproduce this form against New Zealand. His first outing was particularly costly as he conceded 49 runs in four overs without taking a wicket. He took his only wicket of the series in the second T20I when he dismissed Daryl Mitchell but still gave away 50 runs.

The third match saw another wicketless outing with Bhuvneshwar conceding 40 runs. He missed the fourth T20I before returning for the final match where he again failed to take a wicket and was taken for 41 runs.

He finished the series with just one wicket and an economy rate of 11.50, a disappointing return for a bowler who has been one of the most efficient players in the IPL.

ASHWIN CRITICIZES BHUVNESHWAR’S PREPARATION

Ashwin felt the concern went beyond Bhuvneshwar’s runs or the wickets he failed to capture. He pointed to the bowlers’ intensity, run-up and speed, suggesting his pre-series preparation may not have been up to par.

“Leave the performance, get out and give the extra runs. It’s not that. What was disappointing, I felt him jumping in the IPL – the intensity, his run-up rate was lower and his bowling rate was also lower. That tells me he may not have come in the best training form for this series,” Ashwin said.

The former India spinner also explained why Bhuvneshwar’s experience could work against him when it comes to getting another opportunity. While the younger players may be given more time to establish themselves, an established international bowler returning to the side would be expected to perform immediately.

“If it’s a condition, the selectors also think, ‘Is this the way to go’? If you’re a new lad or a young lad, you get ten chances. But you’re an experienced lad coming back,” he added.

Bhuvneshwar, who last played an international match for India before his return in November 2022, has been one of the leading wicket-takers in the country. But after a difficult run of comebacks, his hopes of extending his international career have taken a significant hit.

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