Bhuveneshwar Kumar has made it clear that he is ready to return to the Indian team if the selectors come calling. After two highly successful IPL seasons,
the veteran pacer has once again found himself in the conversation for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
But Bhuvneshwar is no 36, and having not played an ODI for India since January 2022, the bigger question is whether his recent performances are enough to justify a recall.
"Why would I say no if I get a call? Absolutely ready," Bhuvneshwar said while speaking ahead of the UP T20 League.
The pacer, however, insisted that selection is not driving his current campaign. "Honestly, I cannot say exactly how ready I am. My job is to play cricket and that's why I have come here to play in the UP T20 League," he said.
Bhuvneshwar's recent numbers, however, make it increasingly difficult to dismiss his case.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar IPL stats make a strong case
Bhuveneshwar is one of the standout performers of Royal Challengers Bengaluru's back-to-back IPL title-winning campaigns.
His 17-wicket haul in IPL 2025 before producing an even stronger campaign in 2026, where he took 28 wickets in 16 matches at an average of 17.89 and an economy rate of 7.95. His strong performance saw him leave the tournament only one wicket short of the Purple Cap.
His 2026 season was also notable for his efficiency. Bhuvneshwar's bowling strike rate was around 13.5, translating to nearly a wicket every 13-14 balls, while his best figures were 4/23. He also delivered when it counted most, taking two wickets in RCB's final against Gujarat Titans.
Those numbers suggest this is not simply a case of an experienced player relying on his reputation.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar ODI record and experience
Bhuvneshwar also has his international record to back his claim.
The pacer has played 121 ODIs for India and taken 141 wickets at an average of 25.11 and an economy rate of 5.08. His best ODI figures are 5/42.
He has also played at two previous ODI World Cups, in 2015 and 2019, and was key to India's run to the 2019 semi-finals.
The conditions of the 2027 World Cup further strengthen his case. South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia will host the tournament, and he has already shown he can be effective in South Africa. His Test performances during India's 2018 tour of South Africa demonstrated his ability to exploit movement in the conditions.
One concern haunts Bhuvneshwar Kumar
The argument against Bhuvneshwar is just as straightforward. His last OFI for India came more than four years ago, and his recent success has come almost entirely in the IPL rather than 50-over international cricket.
That distinction matters.
The 2027 World Cup will require bowlers to operate across 10-over spells, adapt to different phases of an inninghs and maintain their effectiveness against international batting attacks. Bhuvneshwar has not had the opportunity to demonstrate those skills since 2022.
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has also questioned his prospects, pointing to the lack of regular 50-over and first-class cricket experience as a potential hurdle to a national comeback.
There is also the age factor, especially when India's selection strategy has increasingly focused on developing younger fast bowlers. Bhuvneshwar will be 37 when the 2027 World Cup begins.
Former India cricket stars back Bhuvi
Bhuvneshwar's case has nevertheless received significant backing from former India players.
R.Ashwin has been particularly vocal, saying Bhuvneswar should play domestic cricket and work towards being ready for South African conditions. Dinesh Karthik has also included him in his projected World Cup squad, while former chief selector Kris Srikkanth has said his IPL performances warrant serious consideration.
The current injury situation around India's pace attack could further increase the importance of experienced options. Jasprit Bumrah is managing a knee issue, while several younger quicks have also spent time on the sideline.
This does not guarantee Bhuvneshwar Kumar a recall, but it does make his experience more relevant as India build towards 2027.
Should India give Bhuvneshwar Kumar an ODI audition?
The numbers make a strong argument for giving Bhuvneshwar another opportunity, but perhaps not for handing him a World Cup place immediately.
His 45 wickets across the last two IPL seasons, including 28 in 2026 alone, show that he remains capable of consistently taking wickets at the highest level of franchise cricket. His 141 ODI wickets, experience in World VCups and familiarity with South African conditions add further weight to his case.
But the selectors need to know whether that incredible IPL form can translate into international 50-over cricket after such a long absence.
The most logical route may therefore be to bring Bhuvneshwar back into the ODI setup, give him a run of matches and assess him alongside India's younger pace options.
Bhuveneshwar has already made his position clear: he is ready if India call. Now with the numbers on his side, the question for the selectors is whether they are ready to make that call.
