Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra believes Bhuvneshwar Kumar may not be picked in the white-ball format in near future after the conclusion of the ODI series against South Africa.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar looked insipid against the Proteas and the renowned commentator reckons it might be the last of the swing bowler that we have seen for some time.
Kumar conceded 64 runs in the first ODI against South Africa in his 10 overs spell and also went wicketless. Furthermore, the experienced bowler conceded 67 runs in the second ODI in the eight overs he bowled and once again went wicketless.
It has been noticed that Kumar hasn’t been at his absolute best since he has returned back from a back injury. Kumar is also down on pace and he hasn’t been accurate in the death overs as he has conceded more than six runs/over.
“India’s white-ball bowling needs to be remodelled, you need to change a few things around. In this shape and form, it’s just not cutting it with regards to picking wickets or even staying economical,” Chopra told Star Sports after India lost the ODI series 0-3 in South Africa.
On the other hand, Deepak Chahar returned with figures of 2-53 in the third ODI as he replaced Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the final XI. Furthermore, Chahar scored a fine knock of 54 runs off just 34 balls and gave a ray of hope to the Indian team in the run-chase.
However, the renowned commentator feels Bhuvneshwar Kumar can not walk into the team’s squad after mundane performances.
“Well, not because Deepak Chahar has bowled or batted well today (in the 3rd ODi). It looks like Bhuvneshwar needs a break. He can’t walk into the time the next time India is playing white-ball cricket. As simple as that. That has very little to do with what Deepak or Prasidh Krishna has done”.
“Bhuvneshwar hasn’t been sharp or incisive in the last 16-20 months. “So it’s a good thing that Deepak Chahar has gotten an opportunity and picked up a couple of wickets. But he still hasn’t bowled at the death. He has to bowl for long enough, bowl in different conditions and against different batters”.
“Bhuvneshwar Kumar, I don’t see him getting picked in the near future in white-ball cricket. 50 overs or 20 overs,” Chopra added.
There is no doubt that Bhuvneshwar Kumar hasn’t been at his best and his place in the white-ball team has come under scrutiny.
India will next host West Indies in the white-ball series in February.
