While Bhuvneshwar Kumar's recent performances certainly demand improvement, there are still valid reasons for India to consider giving him another opportunity.

Making his return to the international setup, the veteran pacer endured a difficult outing, managing just one wicket in four matches while conceding 180 runs.

India‘s 3-2 T20I series victory over New Zealand brought plenty of positives, but the performance of experienced fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar emerged as one of the major talking points. Making his return to the international setup, the veteran pacer endured a difficult outing, managing just one wicket in four matches while conceding 180 runs. His economy rate of 11.25 and bowling average of 180.00 further highlighted his struggles.

Naturally, his disappointing numbers have raised questions about his future in India’s T20I plans. At 36, concerns surrounding his declining pace and the growing competition from younger fast bowlers have also intensified. However, judging an experienced campaigner solely on the basis of one unsuccessful series might be premature.

Despite the unfavourable statistics, Bhuvneshwar had moments when he looked capable of making an impact. Missed opportunities in the field and unfortunate deflections resulted in several scoring opportunities for New Zealand, making his overall figures look even worse. Moreover, bowling on New Zealand’s relatively small grounds and batting-friendly surfaces presented its own challenges.

While his recent performances certainly demand improvement, there are still valid reasons for India to consider giving him another opportunity. Let’s have a look at three factors that could work in the veteran pacer’s favour.

3 reasons why Bhuvneshwar Kumar deserve another chance in India’s T20I setup

1. Experience and powerplay bowling skills remain unmatched

One of Bhuvneshwar’s biggest strengths throughout his international career has been his ability to generate movement with the new ball. His capacity to swing deliveries in both directions has troubled several top-order batters, making him a valuable option during the Powerplay.

Although his execution was far from satisfactory against New Zealand, his understanding of bowling with field restrictions remains an important asset. Unlike inexperienced pacers, Bhuvneshwar possesses years of experience in reading batters, identifying their weaknesses and adjusting his line and length accordingly.

India have several exciting fast-bowling prospects, but replacing experience with raw pace does not always guarantee better results. Having a specialist who can exploit favourable conditions early in the innings could provide the team with an additional tactical advantage.

2. Valuable mentor for India’s emerging fast bowlers

India’s fast-bowling department continues to welcome young talents who bring considerable pace and potential. However, adjusting to the demands of international cricket, particularly in high-pressure situations, takes time. This is where Bhuvneshwar’s experience could prove beneficial. Having played across different conditions and formats, he understands the importance of maintaining composure when batters are attacking.

His presence could help younger bowlers, like Prince Yadav and Mayank Yadav, learn how to handle difficult situations, recover after expensive overs and execute plans under pressure. His knowledge of variations, bowling angles and field placements could also offer valuable guidance.

Therefore, his contribution should not necessarily be measured by the number of wickets he takes. An experienced campaigner can also strengthen the bowling unit by helping emerging players develop their game and make better decisions on the field.

3. Ability to bounce back from difficult phases

Bhuvneshwar has experienced several challenging periods during his career, particularly because of injuries and inconsistent performances. However, he has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to return stronger by adding new variations and improving different aspects of his bowling.

His knuckleball, slower deliveries and wide yorkers have helped him remain competitive even when his pace was no longer his biggest weapon. These skills could once again become important as he looks to regain consistency in the shortest format.

A disappointing comeback series should certainly serve as a wake-up call, but it does not necessarily mean that his international career has reached its conclusion. With the right preparation and an opportunity to work on his weaknesses, Bhuvneshwar could still offer India a dependable bowling option, particularly in conditions that provide assistance to seamers.

Ultimately, selection decisions must be based on current performances, fitness and the team’s requirements. However, considering his experience, skill set and previous contributions, completely ruling him out after one difficult series might be a premature decision.