Former India captain Kris Srikkanth said that Bhuvneshwar Kumar will be left out of the national squad when the selectors pick the squad for the next T20I assignment. He was disappointed with the performance of the 36-year-old in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, mentioning that the veteran bowler might not get another chance in international cricket.
He returned to the T20I setup after four years, with the selection panel deciding to add the experienced player to the bowling unit in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah.
He featured in four games but picked up just one wicket. Bhuvneshwar conceded 180 runs in 16 overs at an economy rate of 11.25. The right-arm seamer failed to provide breakthroughs when needed.
“Bhuvneshwar Kumar was a disappointment. I expected him to bowl well in New Zealand, but he was not up to the mark. I am disappointed. I am feeling bad for him as he played four matches without success. What will happen? When the selectors pick the team for the next series, he will not be in the scheme of things. They will highlight his below-par display,” Srikkanth said.
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Bhuvneshwar was brilliant for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the last seasons of the Indian Premier League, taking 45 wickets in 30 matches.
Srikkanth questioned whether the selectors will still back Bhuvneshwar to allow him to rediscover his rhythm. He cited the example of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who played matches against the Kiwis.
Srikkanth, the former chairman of the selection committee, said that he is not expecting to see Bhuvneshwar in the upcoming two or three series.
“I am not predicting anything, but look at the way the selection panel is functioning. I don’t see him playing in a few more series. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is not getting consistent runs. How do you think Bhuvi will play more games?
“I am not saying no as I am a big fan of him, but I am disappointed that he failed in New Zealand.”
India won the series 3-2, but the bowling unit was under pressure and conceded over 180 runs in each of the five fixtures.
Bhuvneshwar is not a part of the ODI squad, but he is willing to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. India will play a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, scheduled from December 22 to 27.