Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has backed veteran fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar for a return to India’s ODI squad, saying the experienced pacer should be part of the team’s plans for the 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup.
Ashwin, who has been working as a cricket expert since retiring from international cricket in December 2024, feels India will benefit from Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s experience in the 50-over tournament, which will be held in South Africa next year.
Sharing his thoughts in a video, Ashwin said he would encourage Bhuvneshwar Kumar to play every possible tournament, including first-class cricket and the Vijay Hazare Trophy, so he is fully prepared for the World Cup. He added that India could need the veteran pacer in South African conditions.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar made his ODI debut against Pakistan in January 2013 and has represented India in 121 One-Day Internationals, claiming 141 wickets. However, he has not played an ODI for India since January 21, 2022. The 36-year-old was part of India’s squads for the 2015 and 2019 ODI World Cups. In South Africa, he has featured in eight ODIs, picking up two wickets.
Although Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been out of the international setup, he has continued to impress in the Indian Premier League. Playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2026, he took 28 wickets in 16 matches to finish as the tournament’s second highest wicket-taker. He also played a crucial role in helping RCB successfully defend their IPL title.
Following his outstanding IPL season, several former cricketers and experts called for Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to the Indian team. Despite the growing support, the selectors did not include him in India’s white-ball squads for the series against Afghanistan, Ireland, England and Zimbabwe.
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