Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif has put his weight behind Bhuvneshwar Kumar after the T20I series against New Zealand. 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.
Kaif said he has little sympathy for Bhuvneshwar after he had a tough series against New Zealand.
“If you ask me, I have a little sympathy for him because the man is returning after four years,” Kaif said in a YouTube video uploaded to his channel.
“After a very long time, he stepped out in Indian colors; he was nervous, I can understand… It wasn’t just Bhuvneshwar Kumar who got hit, everyone is getting hit… My view is that you should observe Bhuvneshwar Kumar for one or two more series and then make a decision, then move forward.”
The former UP batter said the selectors should be patient before discarding Bhuvneshwar.
“He has those numbers, his statistics show that he has match-winning ability… You can give him one or two more series on that logic. If he doesn’t perform there, then close the chapter and move on with youngsters; that margin should be kept for Bhuvneshwar Kumar,” Kaif argued.
Kaif recalled that the coaches at the club level were not patient in backing a particular player.
“You can’t judge someone from one match, that he got hit so he is a useless player, bring someone else, he got hit so remove him and bring this one — this used to happen in clubs!” Kaif said. “When I used to play in Allahabad, I saw that our coaches used to panic so quickly… ‘Oh, he got hit, he’s a useless player, bring him in!’ That happens at the club level. At the international level, you have to move forward with more stability and composure.”
India will take on New Zealand in the first ODI on Wednesday.
