‘Block out expectations’: Team India bowling coach’s message to Bhuvneshwar ahead of 3rd T20I vs NZ

New Delhi: Team India bowling coach Morne Morkel has advised to “block out expectations” and focus on being himself as the veteran fast bowler looks to find his form in international cricket after a four-year absence from the national T20 side.

The 36-year-old pacer has endured a tough return to India’s T20I setup, giving away 49 and 50 in the opening two games against at an economy rate of 12.37. He picked up just one wicket in the first two games in Christchurch.

“I’ve got a lot of sympathy for his return. There will be expectations after four years to come back. He has done exceptionally well in the IPL and bowled really well,” Morkel said on the eve of the third T20I.

“One challenge is to block the expectation factor out. Two, leading into selection, he trained for a month, but playing international cricket is a different beast where the margins are small. He had to come in with limited training because of the schedule to get himself ready,” he added.

‘Don’t chase anything. Just be you’

Morkel, however, backed the seasoned pacer to find his form as he gets more game time. He said that Bhuvneshwar has skill and experience, but everyone has to respect the game of cricket.

“And for me, that has been the message from the start when he joined the squad, don’t chase anything. Just be you. Yes, there will be expectations. But 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,” the South African added.

Bhuvneshwar played a crucial role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) back-to-back IPL title victories, picking up 17 wickets in the 2025 season and 28 in 2026. The Men in Blue are leading the five-match T20I series against New Zealand 2-0.