India made a couple of changes in their playing XI in the fourth T20I against New Zealand with Mayank Yadav coming in for Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Mayank made an immediate impact, picking up three wickets in the match. Bhuvneshwar, meanwhile, was left out after a difficult start to his international comeback.

The experienced pacer returned to the Indian team following his impressive performances for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). However, things have not gone according to plan for him in the ongoing series. The New Zealand batters have taken him on, and he has struggled to make an impact with the ball.

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Bhuvneshwar conceded 139 runs in 12 overs across the first three T20Is at an economy rate of 11.58, managing to take just one wicket. His omission from the fourth T20I has now raised questions about the decision to bring him back into the Indian side.

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Aakash Chopra questions Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s comeback

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has also questioned the decision to bring Bhuvneshwar back into the team. He pointed out that the pacer has not been included in India’s ODI squad either, while his performances in the first three T20Is have not helped his case.

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“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,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

Chopra also felt that the Indian team management might already be having second thoughts about the pacer’s return.

“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,” he added.

Auqib Nabi replaces injured Prasidh Krishna in ODI squad

Meanwhile, the BCCI has added Jammu and Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi to India’s ODI squad for the first three matches against New Zealand. He has been named as Prasidh Krishna’s replacement after the latter was ruled out due to injury.

India lose fourth T20I against New Zealand

India suffered an 87-run defeat in the fourth T20I against New Zealand, marking their first loss in the ongoing five-match series. Despite the setback, India continue to lead the series 3-1, with one match remaining.


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