The Indian cricket team has secured a strong lead by winning the first two matches of the ongoing T20 series against New Zealand, but the overall performance of the bowling attack has not entirely met expectations. In particular, experienced fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who made his return to the Indian team after a long gap of four years, has found both initial matches extremely challenging and tough. Returning to international cricket after four long years, Bhuvneshwar Kumar carried massive expectations from the team management and millions of fans across the country, but he failed to make any significant impact with his bowling in the first two games and proved to be quite expensive. Following this initial poor performance by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Indian team bowling coach Morne Morkel has come out openly in his support, boosting the experienced bowler's morale and offering him a very important and valuable piece of advice.
Bhuvneshwar Disappointing Performance In The First Two Matches
In both the opening matches of the ongoing T20 series against New Zealand, Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowling lacked the sharp edge for which he's renowned worldwide. Across both matches, he bowled a total of 8 overs and conceded runs freely during this period. Bhuvneshwar gave away a total of 99 runs in the two matches while managing to pick up only a single wicket. In the first match of the series, Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowled his full quota of 4 overs and conceded 49 runs without taking any wickets. Following that, in the second T20 encounter, there was no notable improvement in his bowling either, as he leaked 50 runs in his 4-over spell and succeeded in claiming just one wicket. Thus, his performance in the first two fixtures remained quite ordinary, which sparked discussions and criticism in the cricketing circles regarding his current form and rhythm.
Bowling Coach Morne Morkel Statement Supporting Bhuvneshwar
Amidst the poor performance and continuous criticism, Indian team bowling coach Morne Morkel has extended his full support to Bhuvneshwar Kumar and uplifted his confidence. Morne Morkel believes that he personally feels a bit bad for Bhuvneshwar because making a comeback to international cricket after a long gap of four years brings immense pressure of high expectations, while although Bhuvneshwar displayed brilliant and magnificent performances in the Indian Premier League, commonly known as the IPL, in recent times, the standard and pressure of international cricket are completely different from domestic leagues, leaving practically no room for even the slightest error or mistake. Morkel stated clearly that Bhuvi needs to completely remove this type of pressure from his mind, as after returning after such a long period, he didn't get much time to adjust and train according to the standards and pace of international cricket.
No Shortage Of Experience, Need To Play Natural Game
Praising Bhuvneshwar Kumar talent and immense experience, bowling coach Morne Morkel said that we all know very well that Bhuvneshwar has no shortage of skill and experience, but while fully respecting the game of cricket, we must move forward by leaving past results behind, while according to Morkel, to firmly cement his place in the team, he should be given a few more opportunities. Morkel mentioned that he has explained to Bhuvneshwar from day one that he doesn't need to panic or chase anything unnecessarily. He should focus entirely on his natural and conventional bowling and avoid trying to do anything extra or new at the crease. Morkel acknowledged that there is certainly a bit of mental pressure on him right now, but he has full confidence that Bhuvneshwar will perform better with every passing match and will soon regain his old rhythm and swing.
Advice To Stay Away From External Criticism And Noise
Morne Morkel also advised Bhuvneshwar Kumar that he doesn't need to pay any attention whatsoever to external noise, social media reactions, and criticisms. In the modern era, when players step onto the field, they face pressure of expectations from all directions, but being an experienced player, Bhuvneshwar must rise above all these things. Morkel said that he should focus solely on his game without caring about what people are saying. Bhuvneshwar Kumar is currently 36 years of age, and in recent years, he played a highly magnificent role for his franchise team. He played a very crucial and decisive part in helping Royal Challengers Bengaluru, known as RCB, become the IPL champions in the years 2025 and 2026. During the IPL 2026 season, he played a total of 16 matches for Royal Challengers Bengaluru and bagged a total of 28 wickets on the back of his sharp bowling, which led his team to capture the coveted title. Riding on this brilliant performance, he paved the way for his return to the Indian team after four years. Now, the team management and bowling coach hope that Bhuvneshwar Kumar will soon return to his vintage form and prove to be a match-winner for India in the upcoming matches.