Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the experienced Indian fast bowler, is back in the spotlight after two standout seasons with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Although he has not represented India since November 2022, his impressive performance in recent IPL campaigns is sparking discussions about a potential return to the national team.
In the IPL 2025 season, Bhuvneshwar took 17 wickets, but he reached new heights in 2026 with 28 wickets at an average of 17.89. He narrowly missed out on winning the prestigious Purple Cap for the third time, finishing just one wicket short.
While Bhuvneshwar has played down the expectations of a national team call-up, he recently shared his thoughts during an interview with Jatin Sapru on YouTube. He expressed that he feels he has earned another opportunity to play for India, stating, “Of course,” when asked if he deserved a recall. However, he quickly added that returning to the national side is not his only goal. “I’m not playing to prove anything, but I’d be happy to play for India again,” he explained.
Reflecting on his current mindset, Bhuvneshwar mentioned that he no longer waits anxiously for a call from the selectors. “I have moved past the time when I used to wait for the next series,” he shared. After the team’s tour in New Zealand, he initially thought he might be reconsidered for the upcoming series due to a call from the team management. However, that opportunity did not arise, leading him to a more accepting view about his situation.
He recounted feeling hopeful after that New Zealand tour, but realized that his expectations weren’t going to materialize. “It wasn’t hurtful, because then I knew what was happening, and I made peace with it,” he said, crediting his family for their support during this time.
Bhuvneshwar also opened up about his feelings regarding the 2022 T20 World Cup, revealing that he sensed it could be his last. Following India’s semifinal defeat to England in Adelaide, he told his wife Nupur, “I believed it had been my final World Cup for India.” He explained that from experience, losing a major tournament often leads selectors to look ahead and make changes, which he acknowledges as fair.
Even though he last played for India in Napier in November 2022, shortly after the T20 World Cup, Bhuvneshwar’s recent performances in the IPL have reignited conversations about his potential role in the T20I squad, showcasing his resilience in the face of uncertainty.
