Ashwin says Bhuvneshwar Kumar's India comeback may be over

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has said Bhuvneshwar Kumar's chance in India's white-ball teams may have ended. He made the remark on 3 November 2026, after Bhuvneshwar's weak showing in the T20I series against New Zealand.

Bhuvneshwar returned to the national side after four years away. In four T20Is against New Zealand, he took just one wicket and conceded runs at an economy rate of 11.50. Ashwin said the fast bowler had not done enough to earn another place in the squad. He described the situation as "Chapter is maybe closed".

Ashwin said Mohammed Shami now has a stronger claim to return to the team. Shami has been out of the Indian side for some time, and Ashwin's comments point to him as the more likely choice if the team looks for an experienced pace bowler in white-ball cricket.

The comments follow a pattern of selectors and former players debating how to balance experience against form in India's limited-overs squads. Bhuvneshwar, a senior seamer, had been brought back after his long absence, so his poor returns drew closer scrutiny.

It is not yet known whether the selectors have responded to Ashwin's remarks or whether Shami has been named for any upcoming series. Fans and selectors will likely watch the next white-ball squad announcements closely to see whether Ashwin's view is reflected in the team.