India bowling coach Morne Morkel has thrown his weight behind senior pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar despite the seamer's expensive outings in the first two T20Is against New Zealand, urging him to tune out external expectations and rediscover his natural rhythm. Morkel's backing came ahead of the third T20I in Wellington, scheduled for Tuesday, 28 October 2026, with India already leading the five-match series 2-0.

Bhuvneshwar's Difficult Return to International Cricket

Bhuvneshwar Kumar's comeback to the T20I setup after a four-year absence has not gone to plan. The 36-year-old conceded 49 runs in the first T20I and 50 runs in the second, finishing with an economy rate of 12.37 — the poorest among India's bowling unit across those two games. His last international T20 appearance had been in the T20 World Cup semi-final against England at the Adelaide Oval in November 2022.

Notably, the return was built on a strong recent IPL run — Bhuvneshwar claimed 45 wickets across the last two IPL editions for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), playing a pivotal role in the franchise's title-winning campaigns. His new-ball consistency and experience were cited as the key reasons behind his recall to India's T20I squad.

What Morkel Told Bhuvneshwar

Morkel addressed reporters at a press conference ahead of the third T20I, acknowledging the unique pressures that come with a high-profile return. 'I've got a lot of sympathy for his return. The reason why I say that is, one, there will be expectation after four years to come out. He's done exceptionally well in the IPL. He's bowled really well. One is to block the expectation factor out,' Morkel said.

The bowling coach also highlighted a structural challenge — Bhuvneshwar had limited match preparation due to India's demanding schedule before his reintegration. 'Leading into his selection, I mean, there was a month of cricket where, yes, he trained, but this is a different beast coming and playing international cricket where the margins are small. So he had to come in with limited training because of the schedule to get himself ready,' Morkel added.

His core message to the pacer, he said, has remained consistent since Bhuvneshwar joined the squad: 'Don't chase anything. Just be you. Yes, there will be expectations. But just 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 Wellington Challenge Ahead

India enter the third T20I in a commanding position, but face an environmental wildcard — Wellington's notoriously strong winds. Morkel did not shy away from acknowledging the conditions, calling them a 'different beast.'

'This is a different beast, this wind. I was in the hotel this morning and the whole building was sort of shaking. So I think it's going to be a new sort of thing that we add to our books for the guys to get used to and accustomed with, with a quick turnaround. But, for us, again, it is looking forward to that challenge and taking it head-on and not really making excuses,' Morkel said.

What to Watch in the Remaining Games

With the series already in India's pocket regardless of the third game's outcome, the remaining T20Is represent an opportunity for Bhuvneshwar to rebuild rhythm without existential pressure on results. Whether the coaching staff opts to persist with him through the final three games or rotate the pace attack will be closely watched. India's broader selection thinking for the 2026 T20 World Cup cycle is likely to hinge on how veteran returnees perform over this tour.