'That chapter is maybe closed': R Ashwin questions Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s India future backs Mohammed Shami

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has raised doubts over Bhuvneshwar Kumar's chances of returning to the Indian team after the pacer struggled during the recent T20I series against New Zealand. Ashwin also backed Mohammed Shami's chances of making a comeback, pointing to the veteran fast bowler's recent performances in domestic cricket.

Bhuvneshwar returned to India's T20I setup after four years, following an impressive Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 campaign. However, the 36-year-old managed just one wicket in four matches against New Zealand and conceded runs at an economy rate of 11.50.

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Speaking in a recent YouTube video, Ashwin felt Bhuvneshwar had failed to replicate the form and intensity he displayed in the IPL, making another opportunity with the national team difficult to secure.

"Bhuvneshwar Kumar hasn't bowled that well; he didn't prove his form," Ashwin said. "There was a night and day difference between his IPL form and here (New Zealand series). I think that chapter is maybe closed. It's very difficult. How will he come back?" he added. 

Ashwin highlights concerns over Bhuvneshwar’s bowling

Bhuvneshwar had picked up 28 wickets in 16 matches during IPL 2026, making a strong case for his return to the Indian side. However, Ashwin suggested that the difference in the pacer’s intensity and bowling speed during the New Zealand series was a major concern.

The former India spinner explained that his criticism was not limited to the runs Bhuvneshwar conceded but also concerned the way he approached his bowling during the series.

“Leave performance, leave giving extra runs. It's not that. What was disappointing, I felt the way he bowls in the IPL - the intensity, his run-up speed was lower, and his bowling speed was also lower. That tells me maybe he didn't come in prime training form for this series,” Ashwin pointed out.

Ashwin also noted that experienced players returning to the national side face a different level of scrutiny compared to younger players, who may receive more opportunities to establish themselves.

“If that's the condition, the selectors will also think, 'Is this the way'? If you're a new kid or a young boy, you'll get ten chances. But you're an experienced guy coming back,” he further said.

Ashwin backs Mohammed Shami for India comeback

While questioning Bhuvneshwar's prospects, Ashwin suggested that Mohammed Shami could be in a stronger position to return to the Indian team. Shami has not represented India for more than a year and a half, according to the reports, but has been playing for Bengal in the ongoing Ranji Trophy.

Ashwin pointed to Shami’s bowling rhythm in domestic cricket as a positive sign, suggesting that the senior pacer currently appears better prepared than Bhuvneshwar.

"Right now I'm thinking that the way Shami is coming in Ranji and bowling, he is in much better rhythm (than Bhuvneshwar)," Ashwin stated.

India’s next T20I assignment, according to the reports, is a three-match home series against Sri Lanka in December. Shami’s and Bhuvneshwar’s prospects of returning to the national side remain uncertain.