Former India spinner R Ashwin believes Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s hopes of making a successful international comeback may have suffered a major setback following his disappointing performance against New Zealand. The veteran pacer returned to the national side after four years but failed to make the most of the opportunity during India’s five-match T20I series, which the visitors won 3-2.

At 36, Bhuvneshwar Kumar was brought back into the Indian setup after impressive performances for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the previous two IPL seasons. Given the responsibility of leading India’s pace attack, expectations were high from the experienced seamer. However, he struggled to replicate his franchise form against the Kiwis.

Bhuvneshwar featured in four matches and managed just four wickets, conceding runs at an expensive economy rate of 11.50. Ashwin felt that the pacer received enough opportunities to demonstrate his form but failed to deliver the performances required to strengthen his case for a longer international run.

ALSO READ: DDCA Makes Request To BCCI To Shift India vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI Out of Delhi

“Bhuvneshwar Kumar hasn’t bowled that well; he didn’t prove his form,” Ravichandran 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.

Ashwin’s biggest concern, however, was not simply Bhuvneshwar’s economy rate or wicket tally. He pointed towards a noticeable drop in the bowler’s intensity, including his run-up speed and bowling pace, compared to his performances in the IPL.

According to the former spinner, those aspects suggested that Bhuvneshwar may not have entered the New Zealand series at his best physical and training level. Ashwin also stressed that experienced players returning to the Indian team face greater expectations than youngsters, who are often given more opportunities to establish themselves.

ALSO READ: Shubman Gill Explains KL Rahul’s Floating Batting Position Ahead Of New Zealand ODI Series

Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin believes Mohammed Shami could be a stronger option for India’s pace attack, considering his recent performances in domestic cricket. The experienced fast bowler has claimed 12 wickets in three Ranji Trophy matches, demonstrating encouraging rhythm and consistency. “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.