Why Bhuvneshwar Kumar's Comeback Exposes A Big Concern For India, Ex-Star Explains: "Very Critical"

While the return of Bhuvneshwar Kumar to the Indian team has been met with positivity from experts and fans alike, it also highlights another glaring issue - the performances of India's fast bowling unit. India's pace attack is under the scanner following their defeat to West Indies in the fourth T20I on Wednesday. India conceded 247 in the game, with every pacer bar Prince Yadav going for more than 11 runs per over. Former India cricketer and women's team head coach WV Raman reflected on the fast bowling concerns.

"See, on the one hand, you would obviously admire Bhuvneshwar Kumar for putting up performances and just pushing his way back into the side, but the other side of the coin is that it does give you a little bit to think about, isn't it?" Raman said.

"Because here is one guy who's deemed done and dusted for a while and then suddenly, he makes a strong comeback, and that's obviously something that you would admire. But it also goes to show that the others have not really done enough to try and keep somebody like Bhuvi out, who has not been firing regularly," he pointed out.

Across formats, the likes of Mayank Yadav, Prince Yadav, Anshul Kamboj and Gurnoor Brar have stepped up to international cricket in recent months and years, but they've been unable to perform at a consistent level.

Raman urged bowling coach Morne Morkel to spend additional time with the up-and-coming pacers in order to refine and enhance their skilset.

"What I would like to see happen is that if the word transition is being used, then it is incumbent on the fast bowling coach to spend some time with the bowlers when they're not playing cricket and try and work with them.

"It's very critical if you're talking about young fast bowlers who have the raw pace, who have the talent, they need to be really worked upon. That is where the bowling coach needs to spend a lot more time with the boys to ensure that they are well prepared when they get to play international cricket," Raman added.

Bhuvneshwar is set to return to India colours in T20I cricket in the upcoming series against New Zealand, following a superlative IPL 2026 season, in which he picked up 28 wickets for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

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