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India National Cricket Team seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar endured a disappointing comeback to the international arena as the experienced bowler failed to make a big impact in the first T20I against New Zealand at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Thursday (October 22).
The experienced seamer struggled to control the runs and finished his four-over spell without taking a wicket against the Black Caps in the five-match T20I series opener at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Earlier, Bhuvneshwar Kumar created world record on India comeback.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar returns to T20Is with forgettable performance
Bhuvneshwar Kumar gave away 49 runs in four overs at an expensive economy rate of 12.20, which is his second-worst bowling figures in T20I cricket. The Indian seamer’s performance was worse than his last T20I appearance against New Zealand in Napier on November 22, 2022.
In that match, Bhuvneshwar conceded 35 runs in four overs at an economy rate of 8.75 without taking a wicket. However, that match was ended in a draw. Unluckily, the Indian seamer also bowled a no-ball for the first time in his T20I career in his comeback match after nearly four years.
Bhuvneshwar was smashed for one six each by Bevon Jacobs and Tim Seifert, while Tim Seifert smashed the comeback man for two crispy boundaries. Glenn Phillips also smashed one boundary against the RCB seamer during his costly spell at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar's India comeback and stats
The Uttar Pradesh bowler was recalled to the Indian team after his impressive performances in the IPL for the past two seasons and his impressive white-ball show in domestic cricket. Bhuvneshwar had played a key role in RCB’s back-to-back IPL title triumphs in 2025 and 2026.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar was included in India’s playing XI for the fifth T20I against the West Indies due to Arshdeep Singh’s shoulder injury. However, rain washed out the match in Bengaluru after India batted first, so the senior bowler could not make his return to the field last week.
The RCB bowler has been one of India’s most successful T20I bowlers. In 88 T20I matches, Bhuvneshwar has taken 90 wickets at an economy rate of 7.01. He also has two five-wicket hauls in T20 cricket, with his best bowling figures being an outstanding 5/4. Earlier, Abhishek Sharma turns Babar Azam, drops a dolly in 1st T20I vs New Zealand.
New Zealand batters tear apart India’s bowling attack in Christchurch
Meanwhile, New Zealand has put India under massive pressure by posting a huge total of 225 runs in the first T20I at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. It was New Zealand’s joint highest-ever T20I total against India. The hosts smashed boundaries all around the ground and made life extremely difficult for the Indian bowlers.
The New Zealand batters showed no fear and kept attacking the Indian bowling attack. Glenn Phillips smashed an unbeaten 82 off just 40 balls. Earlier, Tim Seifert (24) and Finn Allen (45) gave New Zealand a flying start. Daryl Mitchell (28) and Bevon Jacobs (31) then added useful runs with quick cameos against India in the ongoing first T20I in Christchurch.
Every Indian bowler conceded runs at an economy rate of at least 10 runs per over, with Axar Patel being the most expensive bowler with the figures of 51/1 in 4 overs. Arshdeep Singh and Mayank Yadav also conceded 45 and 40 runs, respectively, while taking one wicket each.
