Aakash Chopra questions India’s decision on veteran pacer after latest T20I squad announcement

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The squad announced by India for the upcoming T20I assignments against Ireland and England has generated plenty of discussion among fans and experts alike. While the selectors retained faith in several young fast bowlers and even made a change due to workload management, one notable omission once again became the subject of debate.

Former India opener Aakash Chopra weighed in on the selection decisions and questioned whether the continued exclusion of an experienced campaigner signals the end of his international journey. The cricketer-turned-commentator admitted that while he understands the selectors’ long-term vision, he found one particular omission difficult to ignore.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra reflected on India’s pace-bowling choices after Prasidh Krishna was named as the replacement for Mohammed Siraj in the upcoming T20I series. According to him, the decision raised fresh questions about the future of Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the national side.

“Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s non-selection. Is this the end of his career? In fact, Prasidh Krishna has been picked in place of Mohammed Siraj because they are trying to do a little workload management. There was an opportunity earlier as well, when they were selecting, and now also, as you had to replace someone, but Bhuvneshwar Kumar is not that guy. Never say never is what we all say, but if you are not selecting him even now, when you have rested Siraj, and this was a chance in Ireland and England, where the ball moves a little more and there is help for fast bowlers, perhaps the right time to give one more opportunity to Bhuvneshwar Kumar, but if he hasn’t got a chance here, the road ahead is closed,” he said.

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Chopra highlighted that the veteran pacer has continued to perform at a high level in franchise cricket. He played a key role as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched back-to-back IPL titles and finished IPL 2026 with 28 wickets, narrowly missing out on the Purple Cap. The 47-year-old admitted that he personally hoped to see the experienced seamer receive at least one more opportunity at the international level, especially with India managing the workloads of several frontline pacers.

“It may sound very harsh. It may sound heartbreaking because I only had said that he should be played, that he is absolutely ready,” Chopra remarked.

At the same time, he acknowledged that the selection panel led by Ajit Agarkar appears focused on building for the future rather than revisiting veteran options. Chopra noted that the continued absence of both Bhuvneshwar and Mohammed Shami suggests the selectors have already moved towards a younger pace-bowling group for the upcoming cycle.

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