Former India opener WV Raman on Thursday, 15 October 2026 said that India's other fast bowlers have not done enough to keep veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar out of the T20I side, adding that the fast bowling coach must invest significantly more time in developing the country's young pace talent outside of match windows.

Bhuvneshwar's Return and What It Signals

Bhuvneshwar Kumar earned his India T20I recall after a gap of four years, riding an outstanding IPL 2026 campaign in which he spearheaded Royal Challengers Bengaluru's successful title defence with a 28-wicket haul. He finished as the second-highest wicket-taker of the tournament, missing the Purple Cap to Kagiso Rabada by a single wicket. His last international appearance had come during a T20I in New Zealand in November 2022.

In 87 T20Is for India, Bhuvneshwar has claimed 90 wickets at an average of 23.10 and an economy rate of 6.96 — figures that underline his enduring quality at the highest level.

Raman, speaking in a select virtual interaction facilitated by Sony Sports Network, was measured in his admiration but pointed. 'On the one hand, you would obviously admire Bhuvneshwar Kumar for putting up performances and just pushing his way back into the side. But the other side of the coin is that it does give you a little bit to think about, isn't it? Because here is one guy who's deemed done and dusted for a while and then suddenly he makes a strong comeback... But it also goes to show that the others have not really done enough to try and keep somebody like Bhuvi out,' he said.

Bowling Coach Must Do More With Young Pacers

Raman acknowledged that young fast bowlers have been operating on 'plump batting tracks' but argued that conditions alone do not explain the recurring problem of India's pace options leaking runs. He called on the fast bowling coach to use time away from the match calendar to sharpen individual skill sets.

'It's very critical if you're talking about young fast bowlers who have the raw pace, who have the talent, they need to be really worked upon. That is where the bowling coach needs to spend a lot more time with the boys to ensure that they are well prepared when they get to play international cricket,' Raman said. He noted that while the coaching staff is heavily stretched by a packed schedule, extra effort is non-negotiable given the depth of quick-bowling talent available.

WTC Series in New Zealand: Pick Bowlers, Not Batters

With India heading into a two-match Test series in New Zealand carrying crucial World Test Championship (WTC) points, Raman urged the team to correct the combination errors that hurt them at home. He pointed out that India had erred in selection during the home Tests and expressed confidence that the team management had learned those lessons.

His key prescription for New Zealand: prioritise a bowling attack capable of taking 20 wickets over a batting-heavy eleven. 'India has to win matches to keep their chances of playing the WTC final alive. So they need to have the bowling resources to bowl the opponents out twice,' he explained, warning that being a few runs short is recoverable, but lacking the bowling to dismiss the opposition twice is not.

Hardik's Absence and the All-Rounder Search

Raman was candid about the void left by Hardik Pandya's continued absence, describing him as a 'useful cricketer' whose presence in the lineup offers 'extraordinary flexibility'. He noted that while India had tried to cultivate seam-bowling all-rounders — including Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, and Shivam Dube — injuries have repeatedly derailed those plans, and no one individual is to blame.

Mandhana's Captaincy and the Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Question

On teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi being held back despite featuring in the T20I squad, Raman backed the management's approach of 'providing a solid foundation' before unleashing him. He suggested keeping the youngster in the squad for 'six to nine months' before giving him extended international exposure.

Raman also commented on the captaincy transition in the women's team, with Smriti Mandhana taking over all-format leadership from Harmanpreet Kaur, whose tenure begins with the T20Is against Zimbabwe in Raipur on Friday. He praised Harmanpreet's legacy — including the historic World Cup win — while noting that Mandhana's biggest challenge will be 'not only to sustain that aggression and the fearlessness, but also raise the bar with each passing season.'

With the India–New Zealand Test series set to begin on 22 October 2026, the selection calls made in the coming days will be closely watched against the backdrop of Raman's pointed critique.