Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned Bhuvneshwar Kumar's future in the Indian team after the experienced pacer endured a disappointing comeback in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand. Ashwin believes the 36-year-old may find it difficult to earn another opportunity after failing to reproduce his impressive Indian Premier League form on the international stage.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar returned to India's T20I setup after nearly four years, with his performances for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the last two IPL seasons earning him a recall. However, his New Zealand campaign did not go according to expectations. India won the series 3-2, but the veteran fast bowler managed only one wicket in four appearances.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar flopped HARD on India comeback

Bhuvneshwar struggled to control the scoring throughout the series and finished with 180 runs conceded from 16 overs. His bowling average of 180.00 is the worst recorded in a T20I series, surpassing Kyle Jamieson's previous mark of 175.00 against Australia in 2021.

The pacer's match-by-match figures reflected his difficult return. He began with 0/49 from four overs in the opening T20I, before conceding 50 runs and taking one wicket in the second match. He then went wicketless again in the third T20I, giving away 40 runs. Bhuvneshwar missed the fourth game but returned for the series finale, where he conceded another 41 runs without taking a wicket.

His only breakthrough came in the second T20I, while none of his four outings produced an economical spell. The numbers were particularly disappointing given the form that had earned him the recall.

R Ashwin explains why Bhuvneshwar Kumar may have played his last game for India

Bhuvneshwar Kumar's return had been backed by his strong IPL performances, but R Ashwin felt there was a clear difference between the bowler seen in franchise cricket and the one who represented India against New Zealand. The former spinner questioned whether the pacer had been able to carry his rhythm and preparation into the international series.

“Bhuvneshwar Kumar hasn’t bowled that well; he didn’t prove his form,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. “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.

R Ashwin also pointed to Bhuvneshwar's bowling intensity, run-up speed and pace as areas of concern. He felt the issue went beyond the number of runs conceded.

"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 explained.

Mohammed Shami is in better rhythm than Bhuvneshwar Kumar - R Ashwin

Ashwin further suggested that selectors could be less patient with an experienced player returning after a long international absence. He said younger players might receive several opportunities, whereas a senior cricketer is expected to make an immediate impression.

“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 added.

The legendary spinner also brought Mohammed Shami into the discussion as a potential option for India's pace attack. Shami has continued to feature in the Ranji Trophy and has picked up 12 wickets in three matches so far.

“Right now I’m thinking that the way Shami is coming in Ranji and bowling, he is in much better rhythm (than Bhuvneshwar),” Ashwin said.