Bhuvneshwar Kumar advised to 'block out expectations' by bowling coach Morne Morkel

India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has advised veteran seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar to cut out expectations ahead of the third T20I against New Zealand in Wellington. Bhuvneshwar recently made his comeback to the Indian team after almost four years but hasn’t had memorable outings in the two matches so far.

He returned figures of 0/49 (4 overs) and 1/50 (4 overs) in the first two T20Is of the ongoing series, respectively. Ahead of the third match of the series, Morkel acknowledged that there will be a lot of expectations on Bhuvneshwar’s shoulders and asked him to block them out.

"Look, 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. Two, 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 said in the pre-match press conference.

Morkel also said that Bhuvneshwar will need some time to find his feet and get into a rhythm.

"So the skill and his experience, everything is there. But at the end of the day, we have to respect the game of cricket, and you have to be able to allow him to just find his feet in some of the games. And for me, that has been the message from the start when he joined the squad, is to, you know, 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,” Morkel added.

India eye series win in Wellington

Before making his return ahead of the recent fifth T20I against West Indies in Bengaluru, Bhuvneshwar last played for India in November 2022 in New Zealand. He earned his place back into the team, courtesy of stellar performances for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). 

The right-arm seamer scalped 45 wickets in the last two seasons, playing a key role in his team’s successive title triumphs. Meanwhile, India will be heading into the third T20I, aiming to seal the series, having taken a 2-0 lead after a four-wicket win in the second T20I in Christchurch.