Bhuvneshwar Kumar says he is not chasing an India recall and is simply playing because he loves the game. The 36-year-old last played an ODI for India in January 2022 and his most recent Test came in 2018, but talk of experienced bowlers returning has grown as the 2027 ODI World Cup nears.
Selection is not his call
Speaking to The Times of India before the UPT20 League, Bhuvneshwar said he had not entered the tournament to be noticed or to move up a level. In his words, he is there to play. He added that judging whether he is ready for India duty is not his job, and that the decision rests with the selectors. His task, he said, is to play cricket.
Opinions from senior and veteran players about his chances, he noted, are theirs alone.
A strong IPL season
His form for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026 has kept him in the discussion. He took 28 wickets, second on the tournament list and one behind the Purple Cap winner, and passed 200 IPL wickets. RCB went on to win the title, beating Gujarat Titans in the final on May 31.
First-class plans and young pacers
Asked about red-ball cricket, Bhuvneshwar said he could not yet confirm whether he would play first-class matches this season, but that he wants to keep playing as much as possible.
He also discussed pace bowling in Uttar Pradesh. After several fast bowlers were injured last season and the shortage was obvious, he said, a speed-hunt initiative has uncovered a group of quicks from across the state.
