Former Indian Test opener Kris Srikkanth has opened up on Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s future after the T20I series against New Zealand. Srikkanth believes the veteran seamer’s chances of continuing for India seems all but over.
Kumar was added to India’s T20I squad after he scalped 28 wickets in 16 matches of IPL 2026 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru and played a key role in the franchise’s success. But, the veteran seamer didn’t have a great return to Indian colors as he scalped one wicket at an average of 180 in four games and conceded his runs at an economy rate of 11.25.
Kris Srikkanth said on his YouTube Channel, “When the next selection comes, I don’t think he will be in the scheme of things. They will say we gave him a chance and he got smashed. When Suryavanshi himself barely gets two matches in a row, how will this management give Bhuvneshwar Kumar another two to three series?”
The 1983 World Cup-winner said Kumar’s performances were disappointing and he really expected him to perform well against the Kiwis.
“Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been a big disappointment. I really expected him to do well, especially in the New Zealand conditions. I feel bad for him,” said Srikkanth (via the aforementioned source).
Kumar was not up to the mark against the Blackcaps as he was low on pace and also failed to swing the ball, which has always been his strength. The fast bowler started well in almost all the matches but was taken to the cleaners in the subsequent overs.
India will next take on New Zealand in a five-match ODI series.
