Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the seasoned Indian pacer, has been making headlines with his exceptional performance in the ongoing IPL 2026 season. His consistent wicket-taking and economical bowling have sparked discussions about a potential return to the Indian national team. Former cricketers and analysts have weighed in on whether the 35-year-old can force his way back into the squad after being out of favor for over a year.
Stellar IPL Form Catches Attention
Bhuvneshwar has been a standout performer for his franchise, Sunrisers Hyderabad, picking up wickets at crucial junctures and maintaining an impressive economy rate. His ability to swing the ball both ways, especially in the powerplay and death overs, has reminded selectors of his value in limited-overs cricket. With 18 wickets in 12 matches so far, he is among the top wicket-takers of the season.
Former Cricketer's Perspective
Former India cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar believes that Bhuvneshwar's comeback depends on the team's requirements. 'Bhuvneshwar brings experience and control, which can be vital in ICC events. If India needs a swing bowler for conditions in England or Australia, he should be in contention,' Manjrekar said. However, he also noted that the emergence of young pacers like Umran Malik and Arshdeep Singh makes the competition fierce.
Another former cricketer, Aakash Chopra, opined that Bhuvneshwar's fitness will be key. 'He has had injury issues in the past. If he can maintain his fitness and bowl with the same rhythm, he has a strong case for a comeback, especially in ODIs and T20Is,' Chopra added.
Selection Challenges Ahead
The Indian team management has been focusing on building a young pace attack for the 2027 ODI World Cup. With Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Shardul Thakur as frontline pacers, Bhuvneshwar faces stiff competition. However, his experience in pressure situations and his ability to contribute with the bat down the order could tilt the scales in his favor.
Upcoming Series and Opportunities
India has a packed schedule ahead, including a bilateral series against South Africa and the Asia Cup. If Bhuvneshwar continues his stellar form and remains injury-free, he might earn a call-up for the T20I series against South Africa later this year. The selectors are expected to announce the squad for the series in the coming weeks.
Bhuvneshwar himself has remained focused on his IPL commitments, stating that he is not thinking about selection and is just enjoying his cricket. 'I am bowling well and contributing to the team's success. The rest is not in my hands,' he said in a recent interview.
Conclusion
While Bhuvneshwar Kumar's IPL performance has been sensational, his comeback to the Indian team is not guaranteed. Factors such as team balance, fitness, and the emergence of younger bowlers will play a crucial role. However, if he continues to perform at this level, it will be hard for the selectors to ignore him for long. The coming months will be crucial for the veteran pacer's international future.
