Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to international cricket has been a mixed bag – he surrendered 49, 50 and 40 runs across the first three T20Is, picking up just one wicket. The three matches saw the new‑ball swing he’s known for but a lack of rhythm in the death overs that left New Zealand’s batsmen unchallenged.
Rahane, who watched the trio of outings unfold, said, "I don’t think we should judge him or overthink how he has bowled. He is an experienced player and would certainly reflect on where he fell short and what he could have done better." He added that the ups and downs are part of a bowler’s life and that a single bad spell shouldn’t define his comeback.
The veteran pacer’s resilience is evident; he’s been in the spotlight for years and still finds ways to adapt. Rahane highlighted that Bhuvneshwar’s struggle to contain runs can be credited to the current trend of batter‑friendly T20 conditions, where India’s batting has dominated in the series. He even hinted at a possible five‑wicket haul if the bowler regains his rhythm.
While Bhuvneshwar’s performance has been under scrutiny, Rahane’s praise for fellow left‑arm pacer Arshdeep Singh shines through. "He looked in very good form and displayed a great rhythm. He picked up wickets in the powerplay, both in the previous match and in the third T20I," Rahane noted, underscoring the importance of consistency.
With two games left, the next T20I in Auckland offers Bhuvneshwar a chance to reset. The series is already decided in favour of New Zealand, but a turnaround could salvage his reputation and give India a morale boost.