India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has urged Bhuvneshwar Kumar to be himself and block the expectation factor out ahead of the third T20I against New Zealand. Kumar recently made a comeback to the team’s playing XI after four years but he hasn’t been able to hit the ground running.
However, the veteran seamer had a tough return, returning with figures of 0-49 in his quota of four overs in the opening game. The experienced campaigner then bagged 1-50 in his four overs in the second game against the Kiwis on Saturday.
“Look, I’ve got a lot of sympathy for his return,” Morkel said at a press conference ahead of the third T20I, to be played on Tuesday. “The reason why I say that is, one, there will be expectation after four years to come out. He’s done exceptionally well in the IPL. He’s bowled really well. One is to block the expectation factor out.
“Two, leading into his selection, I mean, there was a month of cricket where, yes, he trained, but this is a different beast coming and playing international cricket where the margins are small. So he had to come in with limited training because of the schedule to get himself ready.”
Bhuvneshwar’s last appearance in Indian colors came back in November 2022 against New Zealand. The former South African pacer highlighted that Kumar has all the experience under his belt but he needs some time to be at his best.
“So the skill and his experience, everything is there. But at the end of the day, we have to respect the game of cricket and you have to be able to allow him to just find his feet in some of the games,” Morkel said.
“And for me, that has been the message from the start when he joined the squad, is to, you know, don’t chase anything. Just be you. Yes, there will be expectations. But just every game you’ll get better, and every game you’ll find your rhythm. So let’s not think about any outside noises. Just be you and connect with that.”
The third T20I between India and New Zealand will be played at Hnry Stadium, Wellington on Tuesday.
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