"Chapter Is Closed": R Ashwin Shuts India Doors On Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Bats For Mohammed Shami's Return

Ravichandran Ashwin feels that the Team India doors could be closed for veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar going forward. Returning to India's T20I team after four years, Bhuvneshwar didn't enjoy a memorable comeback. In four games against New Zealand, the 36-year-old fast bowler managed only a single wicket, and looked far from his IPL 2026 version. In a recent YouTube video, Ashwin admitted that it would be difficult for Bhuvneshwar to get another chance in the Indian team following such a disappointing series.

"Bhuvneshwar Kumar hasn't bowled that well; he didn't prove his form," Ashwin said.

"There was a night and day difference between his IPL form and here (New Zealand series). I think that chapter is maybe closed. It's very difficult. How will he come back?" he added.

After taking 28 wickets in 16 games in IPL 2026 and being arguably the best bowler of the tournament, Bhuvneshwar forced his way back into India's T20I setup.

However, in New Zealand, he got one wicket in four matches, and conceded at an economy rate of 11.50.

Ashwin explained exactly why Bhuvneshwar failed to convince.

"Leave performance, leave giving extra runs. It's not that. What was disappointing, I felt the way he bowls in the IPL - the intensity, his run-up speed was lower, and his bowling speed was also lower. That tells me maybe he didn't come in prime training form for this series," Ashwin pointed out.

"If that's the condition, the selectors will also think, 'Is this the way'? If you're a new kid or a young boy, you'll get ten chances. But you're an experienced guy coming back," he further said.

Ashwin even stated that veteran pacer Mohammed Shami, who hasn't played for India in more than a year and a half, possibly stands a better chance than Bhuvneshwar now. Shami has looked in decent rhythm playing for Bengal during the ongoing Ranji Trophy, India's premier domestic competition.

"Right now I'm thinking that the way Shami is coming in Ranji and bowling, he is in much better rhythm (than Bhuvneshwar)," Ashwin stated.

India's next T20I assignment comes in a three-match series at home against Sri Lanka in December.

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