India made two changes to their playing XI for the fourth T20I against New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland on October 30. Fast bowler Mayank Yadav returned to the side in place of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, while wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan also made his comeback after missing the previous two matches due to a low-grade right adductor strain.
Bhuvneshwar’s omission came after an expensive start to his comeback series. The experienced pacer managed just one wicket across three appearances, conceding 139 runs in 12 overs at an economy rate of 11.58. His successive bowling figures of 0/49, 1/50 and 0/40 raised concerns about his ability to deliver the control expected from him.
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik shared his thoughts on the selection decision, admitting that he would have preferred India to continue backing the veteran pacer. However, he also acknowledged that Bhuvneshwar had not performed according to his usual standards.
ALSO READ: Shreyas Iyer Admits India’s Bowling Failed To Deliver After 87-Run Defeat Against New Zealand
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Dinesh Karthik said: “Personally, I would have persisted with him, knowing the pedigree he has. We don’t know whether he is being rested and the bowlers are being rotated or whether he has been dropped. If he has been dropped, you can understand. He has played three games, bowled 12 overs, and it has not gone according to the plan. He sets lofty standards for himself, and I don’t think he has bowled up to the standards that he usually does.”
Karthik also backed Bhuvneshwar to respond positively to the setback, highlighting his experience and ability to bounce back from difficult situations. He pointed towards the fast bowler’s consistent performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and felt that he deserved more opportunities to prove his value.
He further added: “He is not someone who is going to sit and moan about it. He will take it on his chin. Knowing him, he will come back stronger.
ALSO READ: Washington Sundar Jokes About Friends Giving Him Hate For Not Watching Rajinikanth’s Jailer 2
“If this means he is not a part of the squad from here on, then that is quite hard. I do feel that, with the kind of success he has shown and the consistency he has shown in a premier tournament like the IPL, he will warrant a few more chances; he deserves a few more chances, and when he gets those, I have no doubt that he will show the world how good he is.”
Bhuvneshwar’s return to international cricket had attracted considerable attention after nearly four years away from the Indian team. Meanwhile, Mayank received another opportunity after featuring in the series opener before making way for Prince Yadav. His selection for the Auckland encounter gave him a chance to strengthen his position in India’s bowling attack.
