Does Bhuvneshwar Kumar deserve to be part of ODI World Cup 2027 after heroics in IPL 2026?
(Courtesy : BCCI/IPL)
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is the leading wicket-taker in IPL 2026.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been a standout pacer for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League 2026. The right-arm pacer has shown a consistent form since the first game of the tournament and has been a crucial force behind RCB’s bowling attack this season.
So far, the veteran Indian pacer has taken 21 wickets in 11 games at an average of 15.28 and a brilliant economy of 7.46. He is currently the leading wicket-taker in IPL 2026 and holds the Purple Cap.
The RCB pacer clinched a four-wicket haul in the clash against the Mumbai Indians (MI) on May 10, his best bowling show so far. He has also captured three-wicket hauls on five other occasions.
A few years ago, Bhuvneshwar was a crucial pacer for the Indian Cricket Team in the white-ball formats. He last played for India in a T20I series against New Zealand in November 2022 and eventually vanished from the team.
After his impressive show in IPL 2026, the discussion about his comeback to the national team has become a hot topic.
Will Bhuvneshwar Kumar get re-entry into the Indian team?
Bhuvneshwar has surely reignited the debate about his return to Team India with his outstanding stint in IPL 2026. However, selectors cannot consider him in India’s long-term plans as he has turned 36-years-old.
He has a few years left in his career, and even if he makes a comeback to the national side, he won’t be able to play for long. Selectors would like to give opportunities to youngsters, as it would help to develop a strong team in the future.
However, players who perform well in IPL tournaments are often given opportunities in the national team. Hence, Kumar could be brought back in the short-term format (T20I) against weaker teams like Ireland, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe. Right now, his selection for the 2027 ODI World Cup seems a bit difficult.
Selectors usually prefer a second-string squad for such series, and Bhuvi should be given a chance following his bowling heroics in IPL 2026.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is part of which team in IPL 2026?
He is playing for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Who is the leading wicket-taker in IPL 2026?
RCB’s Bhuvneshwar (21 wickets) is the leading wicket-taker in the tournament.
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Vikas Singh Derek is a core cricket-lover since childhood and has always followed the sport both in his personal and professional life. He started his school life by watching cricket at home with family. Later, he played cricket on the field at local clubs during college. After his Master's in Journalism from Mumbai, he followed his passion by covering cricket news across various digital media. Since 2015, he has been an aspiring sports journalist and cricket content writer with over 50K+ articles.