At the PCA International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh on October 3, India was defeated by the West Indies by five wickets. India scored 351, but West Indies chased down 352 in 48.2 overs with to an undefeated 129 off 87 balls from KL Rahul. Although India won the first two ODIs by identical margins of eight wickets, the last game revealed significant weaknesses in the bowling assault. India gave up more than 750 runs in the series’ last two games, with the West Indies scoring 405 in the second ODI and chasing down 351 in the third.
India’s incapacity to defend a score exceeding 350, a rare setback for Indian teams, deeply alarmed Hanuma Vihari. After Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s great exploits in the Indian Premier League (IPL) this year, Hanuma Vihari thinks it’s time for India to think about reintroducing him.
Hanuma Vihari expressed deep concern about India’s inability to defend a total above 350
“I believe Bhuvneshwar Kumar needs to return.” He is still among the nation’s top bowlers, in my opinion. Hanuma Vihari posted on his YouTube channel, “He is proving in the IPL.”
The batsman emphasised that, especially with important bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya missing from the ODI team, defending 350 is a serious issue that needs immediate correction. With a little more than a year until the 2027 World Cup, India was looking for answers to their bowling dilemma.
In addition to Bhuvneshwar, Hanuma Vihari encouraged the selection and administration of the Indian squad to help Mohammed Shami make a comeback. Although he hasn’t played for India since the 2025 Champions Trophy, the Bengal seamer has been bowling brilliantly in local cricket since last season.350 could not be defended. This is a wake-up call, right?
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I believe the squad is regressing. It’s a major setback. Hardik and Bumrah are not reliable. In the event of such injuries, you must have a backup. Go with experience, I will say. “Get Shami and Bhuvneshwar back,” Hanuma Vihari declared. Obviously. I mean, I’ve already stated that I’m not now playing to prove anything. It’s not like I don’t want to represent India, though. It’s as easy as that, if I get a call,” he continued.
