Bhuvneshwar Kumar Shines in IPL 2026, Downplays India Comeback Talks
Bhuvneshwar Kumar's Stellar IPL Performance
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has showcased exceptional form in the ongoing IPL 2026 season, leading the wicket-taking charts with 21 dismissals across 11 matches. His impressive performance has sparked discussions about a potential return to the Indian national team. However, Bhuvneshwar has chosen to downplay these speculations, stating that he has shifted his focus away from long-term aspirations, which he feels have not served him well in the past. The last time he represented India was in 2022, after which the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) opted to invest in younger fast bowlers to build a future core. Despite this, apart from Jasprit Bumrah, no other bowler has solidified their position in the squad. With the ODI World Cup approaching next year in South Africa, where Bhuvneshwar's swing bowling could be advantageous, calls for his inclusion have intensified.
โIโm not contemplating a return to the Indian team. Itโs been years since I stopped setting long-term goals because they never worked out for me. Iโm grateful for having played 200 matches and taken numerous wickets, both in the powerplay and at the death. This is a testament to my efforts over the years. There have been ups and downs, but right now, I feel quite normal about it. I would be dishonest if I said I wouldnโt feel nostalgic later. Once I retire, these memories will be significant,โ Bhuvneshwar shared in a video released by RCB.
๐๐ต๐๐๐ป๐ฒ๐๐ต๐๐ฎ๐ฟ ๐๐๐บ๐ฎ๐ฟ: ๐๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ฏ ๐๐น๐ค๐ฆ๐ญ๐ญ๐ฆ๐ฏ๐ค๐ฆ ๐ฃ๐ฆ๐ค๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ด ๐ข ๐๐ข๐ฃ๐ช๐ต ๐ซกClose to two decades of discipline, progress, and even in the era of the Impact Player rule where bowlers are taken for runs, what makes Bhuvi one of the toughest bowlers to face -โฆ pic.twitter.com/9ING9Ugae7
โ Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 12, 2026
'My Approach Remains Unchanged' - Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Bhuvneshwar Kumar acknowledged his outstanding performance in IPL, emphasizing that his approach to the game has not altered over the years. He noted that his absence from the national team has allowed him longer breaks, enabling him to engage in various activities. โI recognize that 2026 is going well for me. Iโm taking wickets, but Iโm still following the same routines as before. While Iโve increased my training slightly, or perhaps improved in some areas since I havenโt been playing for the country, the long breaks after IPL are beneficial. I play a lot of cricket, which keeps me in touch, and I also have ample time to pursue other interests,โ he explained.