Bhuvneshwar Kumar's ODI World Cup Aspirations: Challenges Ahead

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the veteran Indian pacer, has been absent from the national team since January 2022, despite strong IPL performances. As discussions about his potential inclusion in the 2027 ODI World Cup heat up, experts highlight significant challenges, including his lack of participation in domestic cricket. Aakash Chopra emphasizes the need for consistent 50-over play to prepare adequately for the World Cup. With a notable history in previous World Cups, Kumar's future remains uncertain as he navigates these hurdles.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 6, 2026, 19:24 IST

Bhuvneshwar Kumar's Absence from National Team

Veteran Indian fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar has not been part of the national team since January 2022. Despite his commendable performances in the last two IPL seasons with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), he remains overlooked for selection across all formats.

In the past two IPL seasons, Kumar secured 44 wickets, including a notable four-wicket haul, boasting an average of 21.9 and an economy rate of 8.6. However, he was not included in India's T20I squad for recent tours to Ireland, England, and Zimbabwe, nor for the upcoming Asian Games in 2026.

There is a growing sentiment among former players and fans advocating for Kumar's inclusion in India's plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup, given his impressive IPL track record. With the fast-bowling lineup facing instability due to injuries and frequent changes, many believe that Kumar's experience and skill could be beneficial if he maintains his form.

Debate Over Bhuvneshwar's World Cup Inclusion

As Team India gears up for the ODI World Cup set to take place in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, discussions about Bhuvneshwar Kumar's potential inclusion are intensifying. Former cricketer Aakash Chopra has highlighted a significant obstacle for the seasoned bowler.

In a recent YouTube discussion, Chopra pointed out that Kumar's absence from regular Ranji Trophy matches and limited participation in 50-over domestic cricket poses a challenge. He emphasized that IPL performances alone do not suffice to demonstrate readiness for the demands of the ODI World Cup.

"Bhuvi is a player I admire, and I wish to see him back in the Indian team. However, not playing in the Ranji Trophy limits his workload. The Vijay Hazare Trophy offers only a few matches," Chopra remarked.

"In ODI cricket, a bowler must deliver 10 overs and field for the entire match. It's a considerable workload, and selecting someone based solely on four overs in the IPL is not advisable," he added.

Concerns Over Bhuvneshwar's Match Readiness

Bhuvneshwar Kumar's last first-class match was in the Ranji Trophy against Mumbai in 2024, and his most recent List A game occurred in 2023 against Andhra. His last ODI appearance for India was in January 2022 against South Africa. The significant gap in his participation in longer formats raises concerns about his readiness for an ODI comeback.

Chopra further emphasized that selectors should provide Kumar with at least a year of consistent 50-over cricket before considering him for a global tournament. He cautioned against hastily selecting him based solely on IPL performances, despite Kumar's proven quality and experience.

"In a tournament like the World Cup, continuous play is essential. Not only for the World Cup but also for every ODI leading up to it. He needs to start playing now," Chopra stated.

"While he is a viable option, it would be a mistake to select him without giving him adequate preparation time. Relying solely on his IPL performances would be misguided," he concluded.

Bhuvneshwar's World Cup History

Bhuvneshwar Kumar participated in the 2015 and 2019 ODI World Cups, where he took 11 wickets at an average of 26.18 and an economy rate of 5.08 across seven matches. Throughout his ODI career, he has claimed 141 wickets, including four four-wicket hauls and one five-wicket haul, with an average of 35.11 and an economy rate of 5.08 in 121 matches.