Bhuvneshwar Kumar Eyes Indian Team Comeback After IPL Success

Bhuvneshwar Kumar's IPL Performance Sparks National Team Aspirations

Following the consecutive victories of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), seasoned fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar is positioning himself for a potential return to the Indian national cricket team. At 36 years old, Kumar, who last played for India in 2022, has voiced his eagerness to wear the national jersey once more. In IPL 2025, he took 17 wickets for RCB, showcasing his skills with both the new and old ball. His performance peaked in 2026, where he secured 28 wickets, narrowly missing out on the Purple Cap for a third time, boasting an impressive average of 17.89, and significantly contributing to RCB's consecutive championship wins.

Reflections on Comeback Aspirations and Past Challenges

In a recent conversation on Jatin Sapru's YouTube channel, Kumar shared his thoughts on his aspirations to return to the Indian squad. He stated, "I'm not playing to prove anything, but I'd be happy to play for India again. I've moved past the phase of waiting for the next series." Initially, he felt optimistic about rejoining the team after receiving a call indicating he might be included in upcoming series. However, he later understood that this was not the case. Although the disappointment was tough, he found solace in the support of his family, which helped him navigate through the situation.

"I had received a call that led me to believe I might be part of the next two series. But then I realized it wasn't as they had indicated. It wasn't painful because I eventually understood the reality, and I made peace with it. It was challenging, but my family was instrumental in helping me cope," he explained.

Overview of Bhuvneshwar Kumar's International Career

Bhuvneshwar Kumar last donned the Indian colors in a T20I match in November 2022, during a game in Napier that followed India's semifinal exit from the T20 World Cup held in Australia. Throughout his international career, Kumar has played in 229 matches across various formats, taking 294 wickets at an impressive average of 29.50, which includes seven five-wicket hauls.