Bhuvneshwar Kumar reacts to his India comeback for ODI World Cup 2027
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
Bhuvneshwar Kumar will lead Lucknow Falcons in the upcoming UP T20 League 2026.
The Uttar Pradesh T20 League 2026 is all set to kick off on August 14 (Friday). The tournament will kick off with a game between Kashi Rudras and Meerut Mavericks at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. A total of 34 matches will take place in the coming season.
The final will be played on September 7. Some of the upcoming superstars will rub shoulders with those players who have already represented India at the highest level.
One of the key faces to feature in this tournament will be veteran Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The 36-year-old is all set to lead Lucknow Falcons. They will face Gaur Gorakhpur Lions in their opening game on August 15 (Saturday). Bhuvneshwar has been in talks for the last few months.
India are preparing for the ODI World Cup 2027 to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Hence, with his ability to use the new ball, some former cricketers have called for his comeback to the Indian squad.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar remains hopeful of his return to India
India have tried several fast bowlers before finding the best bowling combination for the ODI World Cup 2027. The World Cup matches will be played in seaming and bouncy conditions, where the role of fast bowlers will be immense.
Jasprit Bumrah and Harshit Rana are among the first-choice pacers on the team. Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri and former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin have talked about the importance of Bhuvneshwar in those conditions.
The 36-year-old is known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and has been in good form. The pacer himself has reacted to his selection for the upcoming ICC event. In a recent interview while joining Lucknow Falcons, Bhuvneshwar said, “Why would I say no if I get a call? Absolutely ready.”
He added, “Honestly, I cannot say exactly how ready I am. My job is to play cricket, and that is why I have come here to play in the UP T20 league. I didn’t come here with the intention of moving to another place or reaching another level.”
He has played a key role in helping Royal Challengers Bengaluru win the last two IPL seasons. He picked up 28 wickets in IPL 2026. He has also been doing a pretty good job in the domestic circuit. Bhuvneshwar has played 173 List A matches and taken 219 wickets at an economy rate of 4.85.
He played his last international game in January 2022 in an ODI against South Africa. The 36-year-old remained measured on the support he is getting from the former cricketers and said, “What everyone is saying is their opinion. My job is to play cricket. I didn’t come here with the sole aim of doing well or advancing to the next level.”
When did Bhuvneshwar Kumar play his last international match for India?
He played his last international game in January 2022 in an ODI against South Africa.
How many wickets did Bhuvneshwar Kumar take in the IPL 2026 for RCB?
He picked up 28 wickets in the IPL 2026.
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Karan Rawat is a seasoned cricket writer with a deep passion for the game and over 5 years of experience covering everything that the game can offer. He loves to share the analysis, match reports, and player profiles and tries to bring stories to life with a unique blend of statistics and storytelling. Whether breaking down Test match tactics or capturing the drama of a T20 thriller, Karan's work connects fans with the soul of the sport.