'This comeback is not turning out the way Indian fans hoped' Aakash Chopra on Bhuvneshwar Kumar's return

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has expressed concern over Bhuvneshwar Kumar's comeback to the national side, saying the experienced pacer's performances in the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand have not lived up to expectations.

Bhuvneshwar was left out of India's playing XI for the fourth T20I against New Zealand on Friday, with Mayank Yadav replacing him. Mayank made an immediate impact, picking up three wickets in the match, while Bhuvneshwar's omission has raised further questions about his role in the team.

The 36-year-old pacer returned to the Indian side after a gap of nearly four years following his impressive performances for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. However, his comeback has been challenging, as he struggled to contain runs in his first three appearances in the series.

Bhuvneshwar conceded 139 runs in 12 overs across those three matches, taking just one wicket at an economy rate of 11.58.

Aakash Chopra questions Bhuvneshwar Kumar's comeback

Reacting to Bhuvneshwar's omission from the fourth T20I, Chopra questioned the direction of the pacer's comeback and suggested that his expensive outings had put his place under scrutiny.

"Prasidh Krishna has not been selected in the ODI team because he is injured. But it's not like Bhuvi has been picked in the one-day team. He has played three matches and has leaked so many runs that questions are being asked about his comeback. Amidst all this, he has been made to sit out, which only raises further questions about his comeback," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

Chopra also suggested that the team management's decision to leave Bhuvneshwar out could indicate a pause in the pacer's return to international cricket.

"It almost seems like the Indian management is saying we have had enough. So, this comeback is not turning out the way the Indian fans were hoping for. It seems that there is a slight break here as far as his comeback is concerned," he added.

Mayank Yadav makes an impact in fourth T20I

India brought in Mayank Yadav in place of Bhuvneshwar Kumar for the fourth T20I against New Zealand. The young fast bowler made the most of his opportunity, claiming three wickets.

Bhuvneshwar's exclusion came after a difficult start to the series, during which he managed only one wicket in three matches while conceding runs at an economy rate above 10 in each outing.

His return to the national side had generated expectations after his performances in the Indian Premier League. However, the numbers from his first three matches against New Zealand have put the spotlight on his form and his prospects of securing a regular place in the playing XI.