Sports · Cricket · 9 hrs ago
Bhuvneshwar struggles as India take 3-0 T20I lead over New Zealand
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has struggled since returning to India’s T20I team after nearly four years away.
The 36-year-old fast bowler is playing in a five-match series against New Zealand.
He has conceded 139 runs in 12 overs and taken one wicket across his first three matches.
In the third T20I, he gave away 40 runs without taking a wicket as New Zealand scored 199 for five.
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin said Bhuvneshwar lacked pace and swing and looked off his best.
India chased down the target and took a 3-0 lead in the series.
Two matches remain, but the sources do not say whether Bhuvneshwar will play in them.
India beat New Zealand in the third T20I to take a 3-0 lead in the five-match series.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar conceded 40 runs without taking a wicket in the third match.
He has conceded 139 runs and taken one wicket across his first three matches in the series.
Ravichandran Ashwin said Bhuvneshwar’s pace was down and his usual swing was missing in the third match.
Former India opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth also raised concerns about Bhuvneshwar’s pace and sharpness.
- Who
- India and New Zealand, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar among the players involved.
- What
- India beat New Zealand in the third T20I to take a 3-0 lead in the five-match series. Bhuvneshwar conceded 40 runs without taking a wicket.
- When
- In the third T20I; the articles were published on October 29, 2026.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- India chased down New Zealand’s total of 199/5. The articles do not state a reason for Bhuvneshwar’s struggles.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Bhuvneshwar returned to India’s playing XI against New Zealand and conceded 49 runs without taking a wicket.
He conceded 50 runs and took one wicket.
Bhuvneshwar conceded 40 runs without taking a wicket as New Zealand made 199/5.
India chased down the target to take a 3-0 lead in the five-match series.
- Series score
- India lead New Zealand 3-0
- Series format
- Five T20Is
- Bhuvneshwar’s first three outings
- 0/49, 1/50 and 0/40
- Runs conceded
- 139 in 12 overs
- Wickets taken
- 1
- New Zealand’s third-match total
- 199/5
5 sources
Ex-Cricketer Worried By Bhuvneshwar Kumar's New Zealand Returns: 'Lacking Zip'
Bhuvneshwar struggles on comeback, Ashwin points out major concerns
"Lacking Zip, Pace Slow": Bhuvneshwar Kumar's New Zealand Struggles Draw 1983 World Cup Winner's Concern
What people are saying
Bhuvneshwar Kumar in his third match is a miss for me.
So, it's very understandable to have one bad over in the back half, but in this game, I thought his pace was down. The swing was missing.
His pace is low and I am not sure what has happened to him. His ball is lacking any zip and is reaching the batter like a harmless flower.
I think it would be surprising for many that we didn’t even once, for a single day, talk about a comeback to the Indian team.