Kris Srikkanth Doubts Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s T20I Future

Former India captain Kris Srikkanth believes veteran fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar may have reached the end of his international T20I career following his disappointing performance against New Zealand. The 36-year-old pacer struggled during the five-match T20I Series, managing just one wicket in four appearances as India eventually secured a 3-2 series victory.

Bhuvneshwar’s return to the Indian team had attracted attention after a lengthy absence from international cricket. However, his performances in New Zealand have raised questions about his future, with Srikkanth suggesting that the team management may not offer him another extended opportunity.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Cheeky Cheeka, the former India captain questioned whether the selectors would continue backing Bhuvneshwar after his expensive performances. He also compared the pacer’s situation with the limited opportunities given to young batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi.

“When the next selection comes, I don’t think he will be in the scheme of things. They will say we gave him a chance and he got smashed. When Suryavanshi himself barely gets two matches in a row, how will this management give Bhuvneshwar Kumar another two to three series?” Srikkanth said.

Srikkanth has consistently argued that Suryavanshi deserves a longer run in the Indian setup. He used the teenager’s limited opportunities to question how much patience the current management would show towards an experienced player after an unsuccessful series.

Suryavanshi featured in two matches during the New Zealand T20Is. He scored four runs in his first appearance before producing an impressive 45 off just 19 deliveries in Wellington. Despite that performance, the 15-year-old did not feature in either of the final two matches, including the series finale.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s numbers in New Zealand raise questions

Bhuvneshwar’s statistics from the five-match series highlight his difficulties with the ball. He played four matches and delivered 16 overs, conceding 180 runs while taking only one wicket.

His bowling average stood at 180.00, while his economy rate was 11.25 runs per over. These figures made it a difficult comeback series for the experienced right-arm seamer, particularly after expectations had increased following his return to the national setup.

India had entered the series with hopes of benefiting from Bhuvneshwar’s experience and ability to swing the new ball. However, he struggled to contain New Zealand’s batters and make regular breakthroughs. His expensive spells became a talking point as the series progressed.

India eventually won the series 3-2 after taking a commanding 3-0 lead. The final two matches went New Zealand’s way, meaning the visitors finished the contest with a narrower margin than their early results had suggested.

Kris Srikkanth disappointed with Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s comeback

While questioning Bhuvneshwar’s chances of remaining in the T20I squad, Srikkanth also expressed disappointment with the bowler’s performances. He explained that he had expected the experienced pacer to make a stronger impact, especially given the conditions in New Zealand.

“Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been a big disappointment. I really expected him to do well, especially in the New Zealand conditions. I feel bad for him,” Srikkanth said.

Bhuvneshwar’s return to international cricket had come after he last represented India on November 22, 2022. Before the recent home series against the West Indies, he had spent a considerable period away from the national team.

His performances in the Indian Premier League played an important role in bringing him back into contention. The experienced fast bowler claimed 17 wickets for Royal Challengers Bengaluru during the 2025 season and followed that with 28 wickets in 2026. Both campaigns ended with RCB winning the IPL title.

Those performances strengthened the case for his international return and suggested that he still had something to offer at the highest level. However, the New Zealand series proved difficult, and his bowling figures have renewed questions about whether he can maintain the same effectiveness in T20 internationals.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s limited opportunities also concern Srikkanth

Srikkanth’s criticism was not limited to Bhuvneshwar’s performances. He also highlighted the difference between the patience shown towards established players and the opportunities available to young talents such as Suryavanshi.

The 15-year-old attracted attention with his aggressive batting and ability to score quickly. His 45-run innings from 19 deliveries in Wellington demonstrated his potential, but he was left out of the final two matches despite that performance.

For Srikkanth, Suryavanshi’s situation raises questions about whether young players are receiving enough consecutive opportunities to establish themselves. He believes that a settled run can help emerging cricketers gain confidence and understand their roles in the team.

His comparison also formed the basis of his doubts about Bhuvneshwar’s future. If a promising youngster is not guaranteed repeated opportunities, Srikkanth questioned why the management would give an experienced bowler another two or three series after a difficult comeback.

India win the T20I series despite Bhuvneshwar’s struggles

Despite Bhuvneshwar’s expensive performances, India managed to secure the five-match series against New Zealand by a 3-2 margin. The team won the opening three matches to establish control before New Zealand responded with victories in the final two games.

The series provided India with several talking points ahead of future T20I assignments. While the overall result was positive, individual performances and selection decisions are likely to remain part of the discussion as the team management evaluates its options.

Bhuvneshwar’s experience remains a significant part of his career, but his recent numbers have created uncertainty about his place in the national setup. His ability to swing the ball and deliver under pressure previously made him an important member of India’s white-ball teams.

Will Bhuvneshwar Kumar feature in India’s next T20I squad?

The next selection announcement could provide a clearer indication of India’s plans for Bhuvneshwar. However, the selection committee has not made any public statement about his future following the New Zealand series.

Srikkanth believes the pacer may not remain in the selectors’ plans, but his comments represent an opinion rather than an official selection decision. The final call will depend on the selectors and team management, who will assess the team’s requirements and available bowling options.

For Bhuvneshwar, the New Zealand tour was an opportunity to re-establish himself after more than three years away from international cricket. His performances did not meet expectations, leaving his future uncertain despite his recent IPL success.

India’s 3-2 series victory ensured a positive overall result, but Bhuvneshwar’s comeback has become one of the major talking points. Whether he receives another opportunity or the selectors move towards alternative options will become clearer when the next T20I squad is announced.