New Delhi: Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s prospects of continuing in the national team after the fast bowler’s difficult return to international cricket against New Zealand. Ashwin believes Mohammed Shami is currently bowling with better rhythm and deserves consideration for an India comeback.
Bhuvneshwar returned to India’s T20I setup for the five-match New Zealand series after an absence of nearly four years. His recall had initially been welcomed by Ashwin, who had viewed the selection as a sign that experienced players could still earn opportunities.
However, the former spinner has now taken a more critical view after assessing Bhuvneshwar’s performances in the series. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin said the pacer had not bowled well enough to make a convincing case for a sustained return.
Ashwin says Bhuvneshwar has struggled to make an impact
Ashwin’s latest comments focus on the difference between Bhuvneshwar’s recent Indian Premier League performances and his outings for the national side against New Zealand.
The veteran fast bowler had earned his recall following consistent performances in domestic cricket and the IPL, particularly for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. His ability to swing the new ball and control the early overs had strengthened his case for selection.
However, Ashwin felt that Bhuvneshwar had not been able to reproduce that form at the international level.
The former India spinner reportedly said that Bhuvneshwar had not bowled well enough and had failed to prove his form during the comeback opportunity. He also described the difference between the pacer’s IPL performances and his displays in the New Zealand series as substantial.
Ashwin questioned whether Bhuvneshwar could find another route into the Indian team, saying that the chapter might be closed and that a return would be difficult.
His assessment also drew attention to the physical demands of international cricket. Ashwin raised concerns about Bhuvneshwar’s intensity, run-up and pace, suggesting that the issue was not limited to the runs conceded or wickets taken.
Bhuvneshwar’s return itself had been a significant development. The right-arm pacer last represented India in a T20I in November 2022 before earning another opportunity for the New Zealand tour. His recall followed several seasons of strong performances in the IPL.
Mohammed Shami gets Ashwin’s backing
While questioning Bhuvneshwar’s prospects, Ashwin pointed to Mohammed Shami’s recent performances in domestic cricket.
Shami has continued to play competitive cricket despite being away from the Indian national team. His last international appearance came in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in March 2025.
The Bengal fast bowler has remained part of the selection discussion because of his experience, wicket-taking ability and performances in domestic competitions. His appearances in the Ranji Trophy have provided opportunities to demonstrate his match fitness and bowling form.
Ashwin believes Shami is currently in better rhythm than Bhuvneshwar. Referring to the Bengal pacer’s recent Ranji Trophy outings, he indicated that Shami’s bowling was giving him greater confidence as a potential option for India.
The comparison is significant because both players offer experience but bring different strengths to the bowling attack. Bhuvneshwar is known for swing and control, particularly with the new ball, while Shami has built his reputation around pace, seam movement and the ability to take wickets across formats.
Ashwin’s comments put renewed focus on whether the selectors will consider Shami for upcoming international assignments. However, his endorsement does not guarantee a recall, as selection will depend on the team’s requirements, the pacer’s fitness and the assessment of the selection committee.
Shami has been away from the national side since March 2025
Shami’s absence has been a recurring subject in Indian cricket discussions. Despite continuing to play domestic cricket, he has not returned to the national team since the Champions Trophy final.
He has represented India in 64 Tests, 108 One-Day Internationals and 25 T20 Internationals. His international wicket tally includes 229 in Tests, 206 in ODIs and 27 in T20Is.
His experience could be valuable as India assess their fast-bowling options for major upcoming assignments. Managing the workload of leading pacers, including Jasprit Bumrah, is also an important consideration for the team management.
The debate over Shami’s return had gathered attention even before Bhuvneshwar was recalled. When India announced the New Zealand T20I squad in October, Shami was not included despite his continued domestic appearances.
At that time, Ashwin had suggested that Bhuvneshwar’s selection could indicate a greater willingness to consider experienced players. He had also said that Bhuvneshwar’s return meant the door was not necessarily closed on Shami.
His latest remarks reflect a different assessment based on the performances witnessed during the New Zealand series.
India’s pace-bowling options remain under discussion
The discussion comes as India continue to evaluate the balance between experienced campaigners and younger fast bowlers. International cricket places considerable demands on pace bowlers, making fitness, workload management and current form important factors in selection.
Bhuvneshwar’s recall demonstrated that a player could return after a lengthy absence through sustained performances. However, Ashwin’s latest comments underline the challenge of converting a recall into a longer run in the team.
For Shami, the immediate task remains to maintain his fitness and produce consistent performances in domestic cricket. His experience at major international tournaments gives him a strong record to draw upon, but the final decision rests with the selectors.
Ashwin’s views have added another dimension to the discussion around India’s fast-bowling combination. While he has questioned Bhuvneshwar’s prospects after the New Zealand outings, he has made a case for Shami based on the latter’s recent bowling rhythm.
Neither player’s future has been formally decided by the BCCI. The coming selection decisions will indicate whether Shami gets another opportunity and whether Bhuvneshwar remains part of India’s plans after his return.