India dropped veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar for the fourth T20I against New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday, October 30, replacing the 36-year-old with debutant Mayank Yadav, according to Sportskeeda.
The omission raises serious questions about Bhuvneshwar's international comeback, former opener Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel, as reported by Sportskeeda.
"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."
"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."
Bhuvneshwar's series figures underline the decision
In three T20Is against New Zealand, Bhuvneshwar managed one wicket at an average of 139 and an economy rate of 11.58, according to Sportskeeda.
- First T20I, Christchurch: 0-49
- Second T20I, Christchurch: 1-50
- Third T20I, Wellington: 0-40 in four overs
Mayank Yadav makes immediate impact on debut
Replacing Bhuvneshwar, Mayank Yadav finished with 3-48 from four overs, dismissing Tim Seifert, Daryl Mitchell and Bevon Jacobs, according to Sportskeeda.
India also brought in Ishan Kishan for Vaibhav Suryavanshi, but New Zealand posted 259-7 batting first and bowled India out for 172-9 to win by 87 runs, Sportskeeda reported.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar comeback in doubt after omission
The decision leaves open whether Bhuvneshwar will be recalled for the fifth T20I or future series, and whether selectors will persist with Mayank Yadav or explore other pace options, according to Sportskeeda.
Bhuvneshwar's absence from the ODI squad — while Prasidh Krishna is sidelined by injury — further clouds his prospects for upcoming ODI or T20 World Cup selection, Sportskeeda noted.