Veteran Indian fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar says returning to the national team is no longer his primary goal. He said he has adapted to life outside the Indian team and is now playing solely because of his passion for the game.
Bhuvneshwar, 36, last played an international match in India’s jersey in November 2022. He has played 21 Tests, 121 ODIs, and 87 T20 Internationals in his international career so far. The right-arm fast bowler said that after fulfilling his dream of representing his country, he no longer feels any pressure to prove himself.
Speaking on a Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) podcast episode, Bhuvneshwar said, “I’m playing IPL and domestic cricket because I love the game. When you’re young and playing for India, you say you love the game.
“However, to be honest, focus on what’s in your control and don’t overthink it. At this stage in my career, I realize that the game is also played out of passion.”
The veteran Indian bowler continued, “I’ve already played for India. I don’t want to achieve anything more. If I get another chance, that would be great, but I’ve already gained that experience. Everything I’m doing now is out of my love for the game. I know I have to stay disciplined.”
“I play domestic cricket, I play the UP T20 League. I make sure I play enough cricket to stay in touch with the game, and also give myself enough breaks to recover and stay fresh.”
Speaking about his life away from international cricket, the right-arm bowler credited his family environment for helping him move on without any regrets or bitterness. “I’m completely at peace, and I credit my family for that. At home, we never talk about cricket,” he said.
“We never talk about whether I’ll return to the Indian team, why I wasn’t selected, or what went wrong. It played a big role, and I have no regrets. When you’re a key member of a team, everyone says the team comes first. However, when you’re no longer part of the team, you naturally think, ‘Maybe I should still be there.'”
He added, “I understand that change is part of the game. I understand that generations change. I’m not the first player to experience this, and I certainly won’t be the last. It’s part of the game. Family plays a big role. I’m happy where I am.”