Photo via The Times of India

'Chapter is maybe closed': Ashwin fears Bhuvneshwar's India career could be over

India’s veteran fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar struggled to replicate his standout IPL 2026 form during his return to the national T20I team after a four-year absence, raising doubts about his future in the squad. Despite taking 28 wickets in 16 matches for his IPL franchise—earning him a recall—Kumar managed just one dismissal across four games against New Zealand, conceding 180 runs at an economy rate of 11.50.

His performances fell short of expectations, with a lackluster series opener (49 runs in four overs) and a series-high 50 runs conceded in his second appearance, while he went wicketless in two other matches. Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin criticized Kumar’s reduced intensity and pace, suggesting he may not have been fully prepared for the series, and questioned whether selectors would grant him another opportunity given his age and experience.

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