Morkel tells Bhuvneshwar Kumar not to take pressure after costly start against New Zealand

The third match of the five-match T20 series between India and New Zealand will be played tomorrow. The Indian team will take the field under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has returned to the side after four years for this series, but he has not had the success expected of him in the first two matches. All eyes are therefore on whether he will play tomorrow's match. Morne Morkel has now spoken on the matter.

The Indian cricket team has made a fine start to the T20 series against New Zealand. Having won both opening matches, India lead 2-0. India's bowling, however, has been only decent. The two matches were disappointing for the experienced bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who came back after four years. In the two games he conceded 99 runs and took just one wicket.

India's bowling coach Morne Morkel said Bhuvneshwar Kumar has no need at all to take any tension or pressure. According to Morkel, Bhuvneshwar is a very experienced player who has won many matches for India. Some difficulties are likely at the start. Morkel said Bhuvi should forget the past and concentrate only on his natural game and his skill.

The bowling coach said Bhuvneshwar, back after four years, could face a little trouble in the first few matches. He looks slightly out of form at the moment. His incisive bowling in the IPL, meanwhile, had brought Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) a big advantage.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar played a key role in RCB becoming IPL champions two years running. He made a splash in IPL 2026, taking 28 wickets in 16 matches. But after returning to international cricket he has not been able to make an impact in the early matches. After conceding 99 runs in two successive matches, he is facing criticism in cricketing circles. Even so, bowling coach Morne Morkel and the Indian team appear to be standing firmly behind him.