Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has raised concerns about Bhuvneshwar Kumar's bowling pace after the fast bowler struggled in the second T20I against New Zealand in Christchurch on Saturday. Although India won the match, Bhuvneshwar conceded 50 runs in four overs and took only one wicket.

Bhuvneshwar has returned to the Indian team after a four-year absence, following two strong IPL seasons with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. However, his performances in the first two T20Is have fallen short of expectations. The 36-year-old pacer needs to improve in the upcoming match to cement his place.

Ravichandran Ashwin Raises Concerns Over Bhuvneshwar Kumar's Pace

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ravichandran Ashwin noted that Bhuvneshwar Kumar still has the skills to swing the new ball but needs to improve his execution and bowling speed. He believes the pacer must consistently reach the mid-130 kph range to trouble international batters.

"Bhuvneshwar and Arshdeep started well. Bhuvi is missing some luck. He is not executing very well in certain pockets. I have backed him and wanted his comeback. But if he bowls at this pace, it is difficult for him," Ashwin said on Ash ki Baat.

"This is my concern. He has skills and can make the ball swing. But he has to nudge 134, 135, 136. Then he will become more dangerous. That's not happening," the former India all-rounder added.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar Struggles After India Comeback

Bhuvneshwar Kumar earned his recall after impressive IPL campaigns with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). He took 17 wickets in the 2025 season and followed that with 28 wickets in the 2026 edition. However, he has struggled to make an impact against New Zealand.

He conceded 49 runs without taking a wicket in the first T20I before returning figures of 1/50 in the second match. In Christchurch, he dismissed Daryl Mitchell for six but struggled to control his line and length, conceding three wides and a no-ball.

Although he has bowled well in patches, the veteran will need greater consistency in the remaining matches. With strong competition for places in India's bowling attack, he must deliver quickly to strengthen his case for a longer run. However, two difficult outings may not be enough to judge his comeback.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar Seventh on India's T20I Wicket-Takers List

Bhuvneshwar Kumar is seventh among India's leading men's T20I wicket-takers. The right-arm pacer has claimed 91 wickets in 90 matches at an average of 23.93 and an economy rate of 7.10, including two five-wicket hauls and three four-wicket hauls.

Arshdeep Singh leads the bowling list with 148 wickets, followed by Jasprit Bumrah with 126. All-rounders Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya have taken 114 wickets each, while wrist spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal have claimed 98 and 96 wickets, respectively.

Meanwhile, New Zealand, led by Mitchell Santner, will face India, captained by Shreyas Iyer, in the third T20I of the five-match series at Hnry Stadium in Wellington on Tuesday, October 27. Bhuvneshwar will look to improve his performance and help India maintain their winning momentum.