Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has expressed disappointment with Bhuvneshwar Kumar's returns in the New Zealand T20Is, fearing the veteran pacer may not get another opportunity when selectors pick the squad for the upcoming Sri Lanka series.Bhuvneshwar Kumar played four of the five T20is in New Zealand (Courtesy: AFP) Bhuvneshwar Kumar might not feature in India's T20I plans when the selectors sit down to pick the squad for the next assignment, former India captain Kris Srikkanth has said. The former chairman of selectors expressed disappointment with the 36-year-old fast bowler's performances in the recently concluded five-match T20I series against New Zealand, suggesting that the veteran might not get another extended run in the side.Bhuvneshwar made a much-awaited return to India's T20I set-up after four years, with the selection committee bringing back the experienced campaigner to add depth to the bowling attack in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah.The Royal Challengers Bengaluru fast bowler featured in four of the five matches on the New Zealand tour but managed just one wicket.
He conceded 180 runs in 16 overs, finishing with an economy rate of 11.25. The veteran struggled to make an impact, failing to provide the control and breakthroughs expected of him."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. Bhuvneshwar had earned his recall on the back of impressive performances in the Indian Premier League.
The senior pacer played a key role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's recent title-winning campaigns, taking 45 wickets in 30 matches across the last two seasons.However, Srikkanth questioned whether the selection committee would show the same patience with Bhuvneshwar that might be required to help an experienced player rediscover his rhythm. He also cited the limited opportunities given to young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as an example of what he sees as an inconsistent selection policy.
Srikkanth, who was chairman of the selection committee when India won the 2011 ODI World Cup, said he did not expect Bhuvneshwar to be given two or three series to prove himself."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."India won the five-match T20I series 3-2, but their bowling attack came under scrutiny after conceding more than 180 runs in each of the five matches. The fourth T20I in Auckland was particularly damaging, with India conceding 259 runs, the highest total against them in the format.Bhuvneshwar has not been included in India's squad for the upcoming five-match ODI series, which begins on November 4.
The experienced pacer has expressed his desire to return to domestic cricket, with the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy providing him an opportunity to regain rhythm and match fitness.India's next T20I assignment will be a three-match home series against Sri Lanka, scheduled from December 22 to 27.- Ends