Bhuvneshwar Kumar played all 16 matches for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League and picked up 28 wickets to help Rajat Patidar’s side successfully defend their IPL title. The veteran pacer impressed everyone with his bowling in the cash-rich league earlier this year and, after finishing the season as the second-highest wicket-taker, calls for his selection in the Indian team gathered pace.
However, he did not receive a call-up for either of the three T20I or two ODI series that India played following the conclusion of the league.
Despite Bhuvneshwar’s continued absence from India’s white-ball teams, former greats, experts and fans have been calling for his comeback. In a recent video, the 36-year-old fast
bowler from Meerut, who made his international debut for India in December 2012 against Pakistan in a T20I, also expressed his desire to play for the country again.
In a video shared by 2sloggers on Instagram, which is now going viral on the internet, Bhuvneshwar was told that everyone wants to see him make a comeback to Team India. In response, the star pacer said, “Mann toh mera bhi hai” (I want to as well).
The anchor then said that Bhuvneshwar is taking four wickets for 10 runs in the UPT20 League and added that it would be great if he could produce similar performances in the India jersey. Bhuvneshwar replied, “Ho jayega toh achhi hai” (It will be good if that happens).
Here’s a look:
Bhuvneshwar, who is the only pacer to dismiss more than 200 batters in the IPL, has represented India in all three formats of the game. However, he has not played for Team India since November 2022.
Despite his continued absence from the national team, Bhuvneshwar regularly plies his trade in the IPL. Since joining RCB at the IPL 2025 mega auction, he has picked up 45 wickets in 30 matches.
He was recently seen in action for Lucknow Falcons in the UPT20 League and led them to a runners-up finish. He played all 11 matches for Lucknow Falcons and accounted for the dismissal of 14 batters, including his best figures of 4 for 10 in the first playoff match against Rinku Singh’s Meerut Mavericks on Thursday (September 3) at Ekana Stadium.
