Bhuvneshwar Kumar Opens Up About His Return to the Indian Cricket Team

Bhuvneshwar Kumar reflects on his return to the Indian cricket team after a four-year absence, attributing his success to family support and his performance in the IPL. He emphasizes the importance of living in the moment and shares insights into his journey back to the national squad. With a strong performance in the IPL, he is eager to make a mark in the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand. Discover more about his inspiring comeback and the match highlights.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 24, 2026, 13:13 IST

Bhuvneshwar Kumar Discusses His Comeback

Bhuvneshwar Kumar shared insights about his return to the national cricket team after a four-year hiatus, emphasizing that he never actively pursued the Indian jersey during his absence. He credited his family for their unwavering support, which played a significant role in his journey back. The 36-year-old pacer made his return to India's playing eleven in the first T20I against New Zealand in Christchurch, marking his first match for the national side since 2022. His consistent performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) led to this much-anticipated recall.

Reflecting on His Journey

In a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Bhuvneshwar reflected on his path back to the national team. He mentioned that focusing on the present and avoiding self-imposed expectations helped him navigate the last few years. "Family support is crucial, and surprisingly, we never discussed my comeback for India during that time. This mindset was pivotal for me," he stated. He emphasized the importance of living in the moment, which contributed to his personal growth during his absence from international cricket.

Success in the IPL and Preparation

Bhuvneshwar has revitalized his career with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL, achieving 45 wickets in 31 matches with an average of 22.55 and an economy rate of 8.52. His contributions were instrumental in the franchise winning consecutive titles in 2025 and 2026. He noted that he approached the last two IPL seasons without personal expectations, focusing instead on fitness, skill enhancement, and mental resilience. He remarked, "I never chased the Indian jersey during my four-year absence, and I was surprised at how quickly that time flew by."

Match Recap

Bhuvneshwar's return to international cricket saw him record figures of 0-49 in 4 overs during a high-scoring match. He aims to improve in the upcoming second T20I on Saturday. India leads the five-match series 1-0 after a thrilling four-wicket victory in the first match. Sanju Samson set the tone for the chase with a rapid 67 off 33 balls, while Naman Dhir's explosive unbeaten 42 off just 15 balls secured the win with two balls remaining. Earlier, New Zealand posted a formidable total of 225/4, their highest in home T20Is, with Glenn Phillips scoring an impressive 82 off 40 balls.