Bhuvneshwar Kumar has opened up about the possibility of returning to the Indian team after Ravichandran Ashwin backed the experienced seamer for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Ashwin believes Bhuvneshwar could be a valuable option in South African conditions, where the next ODI World Cup will be played. The former India spinner said he would ask Bhuvneshwar to play domestic cricket regularly and remain ready for the tournament.
The comments started a fresh debate over whether the veteran fast bowler should once again enter India’s white-ball plans.
However, Bhuvneshwar’s response was not an angry message to chief selector Ajit Agarkar or head coach Gautam Gambhir. Instead, it was a mature and honest reflection on where he currently stands in his career.
Ravichandran Ashwin backs Bhuvi to play all domestic tournaments—First-Class cricket, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and everything in between—to prime him for the ODI World Cup 2027 . Ashwin believes Bhuvi’s swing and skill could be crucial in SA conditions 🏏 pic.twitter.com/9zlMaHXJai
— Tezzbuzz (@Tezzbuzz) July 31, 2026
Bhuvneshwar Kumar Is No Longer Chasing India Selection
Bhuvneshwar made it clear that returning to the Indian team is not something he is desperately chasing at this stage of his career.
He explained that he has already experienced the honour of representing India and does not look at national selection as an unfulfilled dream anymore.
“If I get another opportunity, that’s great, but I’ve been there,” Bhuvneshwar said while discussing his current mindset. He added that he continues to play because of his love for cricket rather than because he is constantly thinking about an India comeback.
That does not mean he has closed the door on international cricket.
His message was simple: he remains a professional cricketer, continues to stay fit and will be ready if another opportunity comes his way. However, he is at peace even if the selectors decide to move in a different direction.
Bhuvneshwar Continues to Play Because He Loves Cricket
One of the most important parts of Bhuvneshwar’s response was his explanation of why he continues to play domestic cricket and the IPL.
He said that his love for the game keeps him disciplined. He continues to feature in domestic competitions and the UP T20 League while also giving his body enough time to recover.
This is a significant point.
At this stage of his career, Bhuvneshwar is not playing only to prove something to the selectors. He is playing because he still enjoys competing and believes he can perform at a high level.
That attitude was visible during IPL 2026, when he finished with 28 wickets for Royal Challengers Bengaluru at an economy rate of 7.95.
His performances showed that he can still create problems for top batters, both with the new ball and in pressure situations.
Does India Still Need Bhuvneshwar Kumar?
The real question is not whether Bhuvneshwar wants to play for India. The question is whether India still see a role for him in their 2027 World Cup plans.
India have younger fast-bowling options, and the selectors may prefer to build around players who can serve the team for a longer period. Fitness, workload and fielding will also play an important role in any selection decision.
However, World Cup selection is not always about age.
It is about choosing players who suit the conditions and can perform specific roles under pressure. If Bhuvneshwar continues to take wickets and remains fully fit, his experience could keep him in the discussion.
His ability to swing the new ball is still a rare skill, and South African conditions could make that quality even more valuable.
Selection Should Be Based on Role and Form
Bhuvneshwar’s case should be judged on cricketing requirements rather than emotion.
India should not pick him only because he has served the team for several years. At the same time, they should not ignore him only because he is 36 or has been away from international cricket since 2022.
If the team management believes that a new-ball swing bowler is required for the World Cup, and Bhuvneshwar is performing better than the other available options, he deserves consideration.
If younger bowlers are offering more value and greater consistency, the selectors will be justified in looking ahead.
That is the balanced way to view this debate.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar India Comeback Remains Possible
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has not demanded selection, criticised the selectors or publicly questioned Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar.
Instead, he has accepted that transitions are part of sport and that every generation eventually makes way for the next. He also said he has no regret over his current position and is happy with where he is in life.
At the same time, his performances mean that a Bhuvneshwar Kumar India comeback cannot be completely ruled out.
Ashwin’s suggestion has cricketing merit, especially because of the conditions expected in South Africa. But the final decision will depend on Bhuvneshwar’s form, fitness, domestic participation and the role India want from their fast bowlers.
For now, Bhuvneshwar is not chasing the selectors. He is simply continuing to play the game he loves—and allowing his performances to make the argument for him