Home / Sports / Veteran Pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar Eyes India Return
Veteran Pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar Eyes India Return
13 May
Summary
- Bhuvneshwar leads IPL 2026 with 21 wickets after previous struggles.
- He last played for India in New Zealand nearly three-and-a-half years ago.
- His resurgence mirrors Ashish Nehra's comeback path before the 2016 T20 World Cup.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, a two-time IPL Purple Cap winner, is experiencing a remarkable resurgence in IPL 2026 at the age of 36. He currently tops the wicket-taking charts with 21 wickets, showcasing impressive form with multiple three-wicket hauls. Despite not having played for India since March 2025, his current performance highlights that his signature swing and seam bowling skills are fully intact. This revival has led to calls for his inclusion in the upcoming white-ball tour of the UK.
His comeback narrative draws parallels with Ashish Nehra, who, after a period out of the national team, returned at a similar age for the 2016 T20 World Cup. While India's current selection committee has favored youth, the dip in form of some key players during the IPL might prompt a reconsideration. Bhuvneshwar's ability to still move the ball effectively makes him a compelling candidate, potentially following Nehra's path back into the Indian squad.
