The pacer has found the going tough since his return to the national setup after a four-year absence. Across his three appearances in the series, he has conceded 139 runs from his 12 overs, managing to claim only a single wicket. His economy rate currently stands at 11.58, a figure that reflects the difficulties he has faced in containing opposition batters during the Powerplay and beyond.
Ashwin questions form and physical rhythm
Former India spinner
Speaking on SonyLIV, Ashwin noted that while conceding runs is an occupational hazard for any bowler, the nature of Bhuvneshwar’s performance in the third match was particularly concerning. He highlighted a visible dip in the bowler's velocity and the absence of his trademark ability to swing the ball, which has historically been his primary weapon.
Ashwin remarked that the bowler appeared to be struggling with his rhythm, noting that his approach to the crease did not look as fluid as it had in previous outings. While Ashwin defended the bowler's efforts in the first two matches of the series, where he felt the veteran had bowled effectively upfront, he described the third T20I performance as a significant miss, suggesting that the lack of pace and movement made him look off-color.
Statistical challenges in the series
The statistical breakdown of the series highlights the mounting pressure on the experienced seamer. In the opening match, he conceded 49 runs without success. He followed this with a 1/50 performance in the second T20I, before returning figures of 0/40 in the third. These numbers have sparked discussions regarding his current effectiveness in the T20I format, especially as the team looks to balance its bowling attack moving forward in the series.
