Bhuvneshwar Kumar Makes Comeback After Four-Year Hiatus, Eyes 2027 World Cup

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has re‑entered the Indian bowling lineup after a four‑year hiatus, a move that surprised some but delighted others.

The former pace ace was first in the team’s mind when the 2026–27 season’s domestic fixtures loomed. He says the secret to his return was simple: "I never chased it," he told reporters after the last ODI.

Instead of feeling pressure, he treated each tournament as a stepping stone, focusing on fitness and performance rather than the destination. His recent stint in the IPL last two seasons kept him sharp, and that momentum carried him back to the national side.

During the match, he gave a nod to Abhishek Sharma, who powered out of the bat in the first six overs. "He’s been doing this for a couple of years now, so it’s not the first time. Credit goes to Abhishek for batting like this," Bhuvneshwar said.

Looking ahead, the veteran plans to play in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy before reassessing his place in the national setup. His return could bolster India’s bowling attack as the 2027 ODI World Cup approaches.

The next challenge lies in the domestic season, where he will try to prove he still has the edge to compete at the highest level.