'Not What Fans Hoped': Aakash Chopra Slams Bhuvneshwar Kumar's Poor Comeback
Aakash Chopra raises concerns over Bhuvneshwar Kumar's poor form and exclusion from India's playing XI during the New Zealand series.
The return of a veteran is usually met with hope and nostalgia, but for Bhuvneshwar Kumar, his return to the national side has turned into a nightmare. Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has voiced serious concerns regarding the pacer's Bhuvneshwar Kumar New Zealand struggle, noting that the comeback is failing to live up to the expectations of the Indian supporters.
A Costly Return to the Fold
After nearly four years away from the national team, the 36-year-old seamer earned his recall following a string of impressive performances for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. However, the transition back to international cricket has been jarring. Across his first three appearances in the ongoing five-match series, Bhuvneshwar has struggled to contain the New Zealand batters, appearing expensive and ineffective.
The numbers tell a grim story of his recent outings:
- Total Wickets: Just 1 wicket in three matches.
- Runs Conceded: 139 runs given away in 12 overs.
- Economy Rate: A staggering 11.58 runs per over.
The Benching and the Rise of Mayank Yadav
The struggle reached a tipping point during the fourth T20I on Friday, where the team management decided to drop the veteran pacer from the playing XI. In a move that signaled a shift in priority, Mayank Yadav was brought in to replace him. The decision paid immediate dividends, as Yadav made an instant impact by claiming three wickets in the match.
This tactical shift has only intensified the scrutiny surrounding Bhuvneshwar's place in the squad. Aakash Chopra, analyzing the situation on his YouTube channel, suggested that the management might be losing patience with the experienced seamer.
"He has played three matches and has leaked so many runs that questions are being asked about his comeback. Amidst all this, he has been made to sit out, which only raises further questions... It almost seems like the Indian management is saying we have had enough," Chopra remarked.
Uncertainty Over the Future
While other bowlers like Prasidh Krishna have missed out due to injuries, Bhuvneshwar's absence from the playing XI is strictly performance-based. Chopra highlighted that this "slight break" in his comeback trajectory is a worrying sign for the pacer.
For a player who was once the cornerstone of India's swing bowling attack, the current struggle against New Zealand's batters and the challenging conditions has left fans and experts wondering if the veteran can still cut it at the highest level of the game.