T20 World Cup 2022: Is the criticism of Bhuvneshwar Kumar by former cricketers and commentators justified?

His expensive 19th over spell cost India its must-win matches against Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Asia Cup. Following this, his 16-run 19th over in the first T20I against Australia invited heavy criticism from fans and other cricket pundits.  

Many former cricketers questioned if he should continue to bowl in death overs for India. Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar said, "Bhuvneshwar has been playing a lot of cricket continuously in recent times and that's the main reason behind a dip in the senior seamer's form." 

He added, "The Bhuvneshwar Kumar I have seen over the years, he's not one of the strongest guys going around, he's not somebody who takes a lot of workloads, he plays one format and hardly any other." 

Adding to the criticism, Sunil Gavaskar said, "It's a real concern. When somebody like a Bhuvneshwar Kumar is going for so many runs every single time". 

"Saying this again use Bhuvi for only one over in last five overs," Irfan Pathan tweeted.

Despite all the criticism, the 32-year-old pacer has been the leading wicket-taker in the recently concluded Asia Cup 2022. But his failure in slog overs over-shadowed his tremendous wicket-taking capabilities in initial overs. 

Speaking in favour of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Sreesanth said, "If Bhuvneshwar Kumar is listening to this – most often they don't do it – but my only request is to never ever stop believing in your abilities."

He continued to add, "We have to support Bhuvneshwar Kumar, just like Dinesh Karthik when it comes to batting. I'm very confident about his experience and ability to swing the ball; he has a back-of-the-length slower ball, he has got the knuckleball. If he varies his pace on the hard bouncy wickets, he will get good help on Australian pitches."

While all the theory of pros and cons about Bhuvneshwar Kumar is surfacing in the media reports, it is evident that with Jasprit Bumrah being ruled out of the T20 World Cup, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has become an indispensable part. He is the only experienced pacer that the squad has and will play a crucial role on the Australian surfaces.

Even if his death bowling is a matter of concern, no bowler can do justice to his role as a power play bowler for team India. His command with the new ball, to swing it, and cause turbulence to the opponent's opening batters, is a quality that no one can deny.  

So though his death over bowling might be a subject of criticism, questioning his presence and importance for team India in the World Cup seems a bit invalid. 

"It's important we give him that space," Rohit said. "Because when you gave a guy like him in the team and the quality that he brings, we know that he's had more good days than bad days honestly speaking. Yes, of late it's been not the kind of performance that he would want, but that can happen to any of the bowlers."

Further, how coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma define his role in the absence of spearhead Jasprit Bumrah for the upcoming T20 World Cup remains a question. It will also depend significantly on who they bring in the playing XI in place of Jasprit Bumrah. Whether it'll be Mohammed Shami, Deepak Chahar, or we might see some new replacements like Mohammed Siraj.