Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has backed Bhuvneshwar Kumar to play all five T20Is against New Zealand. Kumar recently made a comeback to the team’s playing XI after four years.
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.
Irfan Pathan said on Cricinfo, “See, you have brought in a senior player, so you should make him play all the matches. I personally want to see how many young fast bowlers come into the team and how they play. The more they play, the more difficult the tour, the better. But you have selected a senior player. You didn’t select him to keep him outside.”
On the other hand, Srikkanth urged the team’s think tank to be patient with the veteran seamer after he had another tough game on Saturday.
“He (Bhuvneshwar) has no rhythm at all. It’ll take him two or three more games to come into his own. I hope the management remains patient with him. He’s playing after four years, so that rustiness is showing. Also, he must be under pressure too. Though New Zealand has smashed him in both matches, I’ll still back him and be patient,” said Srikkanth on his YouTube Channel.
Earlier, Bhuvneshwar Kumar bagged 28 wickets in 16 matches of IPL 2026 and thus the selectors backed him for the series against New Zealand.
The third T20I between India and New Zealand will be played at Hnry Stadium, Wellington on Tuesday.
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