'Bhuvneshwar Kumar should be an automatic choice in this bowling lineup' - Kris Srikkanth after India's defeat in Belfast

Kris Srikkanth believes that Bhuvneshwar Kumar should be an automatic choice in India's T20 setup. The former India captain made this remark after India lost the first T20I against Ireland by 34 runs at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast on Friday, June 26.

India conceded 182/9 in the first innings before being dismissed for 148 in 18.5 overs. Prasidh Krishna had a forgettable day, giving away 57 runs in four overs. Srikkanth said that the right-arm pacer bowls too many deliveries in the slot,

which allows batters to line him up.

"Prasidh Krishna kept bowling in the good length. He bowls perfectly in the slot. The five overs between him and Sundar cost India the game. Bhuvneshwar Kumar should be an automatic choice in this bowling lineup. Prasidh Krishna bowls at just the perfect pace and length to get smashed. He wasn't great even in this IPL," he said on his YouTube channel, Cheeky Cheeka.

Bhuvneshwar had an exemplary outing in the IPL this year. The 36-year-old finished as the second-highest wicket-taker, bagging 28 scalps from 16 matches at an economy rate of just 7.95.

"Prasidh Krishna and Washington Sundar were terrible" - Kris Srikkanth on India's bowling

Srikkanth stated that India's bowling was ordinary, and Krishna and Washington Sundar were terrible. However, the cricketer-turned-expert was particularly impressed by Shivam Dube's bowling. The 33-year-old bowled three overs, giving away 18 runs and picking up one wicket.

"India's overall bowling was ordinary. Everyone else bowled well but Prasidh Krishna and Washington Sundar were terrible. Sundar doesn't bowl in the IPL itself. Dube surprisingly looked deadly as a bowler. He looks a more confident international player than in the IPL," said Srikkanth (via the aforementioned source).

The second T20I is going to be played at the same venue as the first one. This match is scheduled to be held on Sunday, June 28. India will look to draw level in the series and head into the England T20Is with some confidence.