Ajinkya Rahane Backs Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Source: X, AFP)
The ace Indian fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar has had a difficult start to his return to the Indian team in the ongoing India tour of New Zealand 2026. The right-arm pacer has conceded runs at an economy rate of 11.58 in the three T20I matches against New Zealand and has taken only one wicket.
However, despite his struggles, former Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane has backed him to bounce back and not judge him too quickly on his recent comeback.
Ajinkya Rahane Backs Bhuvneshwar Kumar Despite Recent Struggles
Ajinkya Rahane believes Bhuvneshwar Kumar is an experienced bowler who understands his game and can learn from his recent performances. He also said that a few difficult matches should not be enough to question the pacer’s ability or place in the team.
“I don’t think we should judge him or overthink how he has bowled. He is an experienced player and would certainly reflect on where he fell short and what he could have done better. As far as his performances are concerned, ups and downs are part of the game. Sometimes, as a bowler, you may not find your rhythm, but that is no reason to write him off. Bhuvneshwar Kumar would certainly know what he could have done better,” Ajinkya Rahane said on his YouTube channel.
It is worth noting that Bhuvneshwar Kumar conceded 49 runs in the first match, 50 in the second and 40 in the third T20I against New Zealand.
Although he showed signs of his ability to swing the ball with the new ball, he struggled to control the scoring at other stages of the matches.
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Ajinkya Rahane added that Bhuvneshwar Kumar's return should be appreciated rather than focusing only on recent numbers. Rahane said that he could turn things around quickly, as one good performance can change the discussion around a player.
"For me, the biggest story is that he has made a comeback at this age. We should learn from this that, as a bowler, you must never give up. Keep doing your job, and things will eventually fall into place. You never know; he could take five wickets in the next match, and things could change immediately. Bhuvneshwar is a bowler who certainly reflects on his game, but he is also confident in his abilities and is a confident person overall,” Ajinkya Rahane said.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar's Remarkable Comeback
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to the Indian team is an important moment in his career. He made his international comeback in October 2026 during the T20I series against New Zealand, after being away from the side since November 2022.
It is worth noting that he was included in the Indian team after impressive performances in the IPL with RCB. He took 17 wickets in the 2025 season and 28 wickets in 2026, helping the franchise win back-to-back IPL titles.
These performances played a crucial role in bringing the experienced pacer back into the national setup.
