Bhuvneshwar, who had been rewarded with a return to the international setup after a standout 2026 IPL campaign—where he claimed 28 wickets in 16 matches—found the transition to the international stage difficult. Across his appearances in the New Zealand series, the experienced bowler managed only a single wicket while conceding 180 runs, leading to questions about his current form and physical preparation.
Concerns over intensity and form
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin highlighted a stark contrast between the bowler’s domestic dominance and his performance against the Black Caps. Ashwin noted that the intensity and speed displayed by Bhuvneshwar were noticeably lower than what was observed during the IPL, raising questions about his training and readiness for the series.
The statistics from the series underscore the difficulty the pacer faced. In the opening match, he conceded 49 runs in four overs without taking a wicket. Although he secured his only scalp of the series in the second match by dismissing Daryl Mitchell, he leaked 50 runs in that outing. Subsequent performances saw him go wicketless in both the third and fifth matches, finishing the series with an economy rate of 11.50.
Shami positioned as potential alternative
Ashwin suggested that the selectors face a difficult decision regarding the veteran, noting that while young players are often afforded a longer leash, the expectations for an experienced returnee are different. Given these struggles, Ashwin indicated that the chapter for Bhuvneshwar might be effectively closed, making a future comeback appear unlikely.
In light of these developments, Ashwin pointed toward
