Former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer has expressed surprise over Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s absence from India’s T20I squad. He said this after India’s defeat in the fourth T20I of the five-match series against England on Thursday, July 9, in Bristol as well. Chasing 159, England made light work of the target, reaching it in just 13.5 overs to seal a nine-wicket win and take an unassailable 3-0 lead with one match in hand.
Speaking during a discussion on his YouTube channel (Wasim Jaffer Official), Wasim Jaffer said: “As for Bhuvneshwar Kumar, again, I feel, why is he not there? If he can play in the IPL, then why can’t he play for India, at least in this format? You can certainly pick him for T20Is. Bhuvi was just one or two wickets away from winning the Purple Cap. So, when he’s fit and performing, why isn’t he in the team? Naturally, questions will be raised.”
“And he’s fit and playing. I think you can certainly pick him just for T20 cricket because he’s a proven performer. He can bowl in all three phases of the innings and can pick up wickets in each of them. So, I’m surprised that Bhuvneshwar Kumar is not part of the team,” he further added.
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However, Wasim Jaffer also backed Rajat Patidar for a place in India’s T20I team. He also stated that the RCB captain has led the franchise to two IPL titles and called him as an excellent captaincy option, adding that he should be part of India’s plans as well.
Jaffer said: “I think, based on his performances, he absolutely deserves an opportunity. We’ve even spoken about his captaincy before. He is a terrific captaincy option as well. A player who has led a franchise to two IPL titles, scored more than 500 runs himself, and done so at an excellent strike rate has clearly proved his credentials.
“He has also delivered in crucial matches, including the Eliminator and the playoffs. His performances and credibility speak for themselves. Everything is there on paper. So, I think he needs to be in the scheme of things. If he isn’t, then again, it’s very surprising,” he concluded.
