After two productive IPL seasons in which he played a key role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s title winning runs, Bhuvneshwar Kumar earned a recall to India’s T20I setup. However, the return to international cricket has been difficult so far, with the pacer struggling to contain New Zealand in the opening two matches of the ongoing five-match T20I series.
He has conceded 49 and 50 runs in the two games at an economy rate of 12.37, managing just one wicket to emerge as India’s least effective bowler by wickets taken.
Amid the challenging return, India bowling coach Morne Morkel has advised Bhuvneshwar to stay focused on his strengths and shut out external pressure as the experienced fast bowler works to rediscover his rhythm following a four-year
absence from the country’s T20I setup.
“I’ve got a lot of sympathy for his (Bhuvneshwar) return,” Morkel told reporters on Monday. “There will be expectations after four years to come back. He has done exceptionally well in the IPL and bowled really well,” Morkel said on the eve of the third T20I.”
Morkel pointed out that limited preparation and the demands of international cricket could make the transition more challenging.
Although Bhuvneshwar trained for a month before selection, Morkel said the schedule left him with little time to prepare fully for his return.
“One challenge is to block the expectation factor out. Two, leading into selection, he trained for a month, but playing international cricket is a different beast where the margins are small. He had to come in with limited training because of the schedule to get himself ready,” he said.
Despite the expensive outings, Morkel expressed confidence in the 36-year-old’s ability and experience, stressing that the veteran needs time in the middle to settle back into the demands of international cricket.
“The skill and his experience, everything is there. But at the end of the day, we have to respect the game of cricket and you have to be able to allow him to just find his feet in some of the games. And for me, that has been the message from the start when he joined the squad, don’t chase anything. Just be you. Yes, there will be expectations. But every game you’ll get better and every game you’ll find your rhythm. So let’s not think about any outside noises. Just be you and connect with that,” the South African said.
Bhuvneshwar’s IPL performances provide a strong basis for Morkel’s faith in the pacer.
Renowned for his ability to generate swing and seam movement, he played a significant role in RCB’s successive IPL title triumphs, picking up 17 wickets in the 2025 season before claiming 28 in 2026.
