Bhuvneshwar Kumar's Stellar IPL Performance Sparks Calls for National Team Recall

Bhuvneshwar Kumar's outstanding performance in IPL 2026 has led former cricketers Kris Srikkanth and R Ashwin to call for his return to the Indian national team. With 21 wickets and crucial contributions in matches, Bhuvneshwar's skills have not gone unnoticed. Both Srikkanth and Ashwin praised his vintage bowling style and hard work, emphasizing his readiness for international play. As discussions heat up, fans eagerly await the trending hashtag #BringBackBhuvi, reflecting the growing support for his inclusion in the squad. Discover more about Bhuvneshwar's remarkable season and the reactions from cricket legends.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 11, 2026, 12:28 IST

Former Cricketers Advocate for Bhuvneshwar's Return

Former Indian cricket legends Kris Srikkanth and R Ashwin have urged the management of the Indian cricket team to reinstate veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who has been a standout performer in the IPL 2026 season. Bhuvneshwar showcased his skills during a thrilling match in Raipur, where he took four vital wickets and hit a six in the final over, leading the defending champions to victory. Over the course of 11 matches this season, he has claimed 21 wickets with an impressive economy rate of 7.47 and an average of 15.29.

Ex-Cricketers Push for Bhuvneshwar's Inclusion

During a discussion on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth highlighted Bhuvneshwar's exceptional performance, particularly noting his dismissal of Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav in consecutive deliveries during his second over. He emphasized, "If you watched Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s bowling, wow, wow, wow. Vintage Bhuvi. He finished off the game in the second over. In the first over, he got Rickleton. Then, in the second over, he used the knuckleball to dismiss Rohit Sharma. The he got Suryakumar Yadav for a duck with a beauty. That killed the game. I am telling you. Bhuvneshwar Kumar should come back and play for India."

Bhuvneshwar's last appearance for the national team was in November 2022. In a recent interview with JioStar, Ashwin praised the pacer's hard work and adaptability in the T20 format, stating, "It was Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s day. It has been his tournament. If your time is right, nobody can stop you. He would take it both (both the six and the four wickets). He is a lovely guy. I am so happy for him. He has done all the hard yards. He has played every single T20 game that has been available for him. He has worked incredibly hard on his fitness. A very unassuming guy. He is such a lovely guy to have in your team."

Ashwin expressed his hope for Bhuvneshwar's return to the national squad, eagerly anticipating the hashtag #BringBackBhuvi to trend. He remarked, "#BringBackBhuvi. Let’s wait for that. I would love to see him being considered. A tick with the new ball, he is able to bowl in the death overs consistently. If you need, he is able to hit a six under pressure. I am extremely happy for him."

Bhuvneshwar's ability to perform across all phases of the game has been a highlight of his comeback this season. His economy rates in the powerplay, middle overs, and final overs stand at 7.00, 8.42, and 7.83, respectively. He shares the best economy rate among bowlers who have bowled at least fifty balls during the powerplay with Mohsin Khan from the Lucknow Super Giants. Additionally, he has been the most economical bowler in the final overs, meeting the same minimum-ball criteria.