Srikkanth says Bhuvneshwar unlikely to be in India’s T20I plans after New Zealand series

Kris Srikkanth said on his YouTube show on November 2, 2026 that Bhuvneshwar Kumar might not figure in India’s T20I plans following the five-match series against New Zealand, and described the pacer’s performances as a disappointment. Srikkanth, a former India captain and ex-chairman of selectors, expressed sympathy for the 36-year-old but questioned whether he would receive further opportunities.

Bhuvneshwar returned to India’s T20I setup after four years when the selection committee named him to add depth to the bowling attack in Jasprit Bumrah’s absence. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru bowler played four of the five matches on the New Zealand tour but took just one wicket, conceding 180 runs in 16 overs for an economy rate of 11.25. He had earned his recall on the back of strong Indian Premier League form, having taken 45 wickets in 30 matches across Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s recent title-winning campaigns.

"Bhuvneshwar Kumar was a big disappointment. I expected that he would bowl well in New Zealand conditions. I am highly disappointed. I am feeling bad for him. Yes, he played four matches. Now, what will happen? When the next selection comes, I don't think he will be in the scheme of things at all. They say we gave him a chance, and he conceded runs," Srikkanth said on his YouTube show.

Srikkanth questioned the selection committee’s willingness to grant a longer run to an experienced player and used the treatment of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as an example. "I am not saying no. But, looking at how the selection committee is working, I don't see him getting two-three series (a longer rope). Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is not getting more than two matches. How do you think Bhuvi will get more matches? "I am not saying no (he hadn't had a lot of match practice after the IPL). I am a big Bhuvneshwar Kumar fan, but I am a little disappointed that he didn't do well," he added.

India won the five-match T20I series 3-2, but their bowling unit was criticised after conceding more than 180 runs in each game. The fourth T20I in Auckland proved particularly costly, with India conceding 259 runs — the highest total scored against them in the format.

Bhuvneshwar was not named in India’s squad for the upcoming five-match ODI series beginning on November 4. The pacer has said he wants to return to domestic cricket, viewing the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as chances to regain rhythm and match fitness.

India’s next T20I assignment is a three-match home series against Sri Lanka scheduled from December 22 to 27.