Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has cast doubt on the international future of veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, suggesting that the 36-year-old’s recent struggles during the T20I series against New Zealand could signal the end of his tenure with the national team. Despite returning to the squad on the back of a standout 2026 IPL season, where he claimed 28 wickets in 16 matches, Kumar failed to replicate that form at the international level.
Reflecting on the series during a discussion on his YouTube channel, Ashwin observed a significant decline in the pacer’s physical intensity and bowling speed compared to his domestic performances. "Bhuvneshwar Kumar hasn't bowled that well; he didn't prove his form," Ashwin remarked. He further noted that the gap in quality between the bowler's recent IPL displays and his outings against New Zealand was stark, leading him to conclude that "that chapter is maybe closed."
The statistics from the New Zealand series highlight the challenges faced by the seasoned campaigner. Across four matches, Kumar conceded 180 runs while taking only a single wicket. His economy rate settled at 11.50, a figure that placed significant pressure on the Indian bowling attack. In the opening match of the series, he went wicketless, conceding 49 runs in four overs, and his struggles continued throughout the remaining fixtures, with his only breakthrough coming in the second match against Daryl Mitchell.
Ashwin raised concerns regarding the preparation of the experienced bowler, suggesting that his diminished run-up speed and overall intensity indicated he might not have been in "prime training form" for the assignment. In the context of national team selection, Ashwin argued that the expectations for a veteran returning to the side differ from those of a younger player, stating that while a debutant might be afforded multiple opportunities to find their footing, an experienced player is often judged more critically.
"If that's the condition, the selectors will also think, 'Is this the way'? If you're a new kid or a young boy, you'll get ten chances. But you're an experienced guy coming back," Ashwin said. Given the nature of his return, which followed a four-year hiatus from the T20I side, the lack of immediate impact has left experts and observers speculating about his continued viability in the fast-paced format.
Amidst these concerns, Ashwin has thrown his support behind Mohammed Shami, who has been working his way back into contention through the Ranji Trophy. Although Shami has not featured for India in over a year and a half, Ashwin believes his current form and rhythm while playing for Bengal make him a more viable candidate for a national team return than Kumar at this juncture.
Looking ahead, the Indian team is scheduled to host Sri Lanka for a three-match T20I series in December. The selection for this upcoming series is expected to provide further clarity on the board’s stance regarding veteran players and whether the management intends to persist with those who struggled against New Zealand or shift focus toward candidates demonstrating stronger current form in the domestic circuit.
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