Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has confirmed that he will play the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare tournament. After nearly four years away from the Indian team the right arm pacer earned
a surprise T20I recall in 2026. This selection was done on the back of some excellent performances for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, including 17 wickets in the 2025 IPL season and 28 in 2026 that helped the franchise to back-to-back titles. At 36, he returned for the series against New Zealand but the comeback has not been easy. He has managed one wicket in three matches at an expensive economy of 11.58 in batter-friendly conditions.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar confirms that he will play in Vijay Hazare Trophy & Syed Mushtaq Ali. [Manoj Dimri] https://t.co/mBTqpCwm3Y
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 27, 2026
Speaking after India’s series-clinching win in Wellington, Bhuvneshwar Kumar said “I am not thinking too far ahead. Of course, I will play domestic cricket. Whether it is Vijay Hazare Trophy or Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. So I am looking forward to that.” He confirmed he will feature in both tournaments for Uttar Pradesh. His last Vijay Hazare appearance was in December 2023. The right arm pacer has not played List A cricket for almost three years.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar eyes ODI comeback through Vijay Hazare Trophy
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s career has always been a story of two halves. He has been in and out of the side but despite that the right arm pacer has managed to have a good career. Born on 5 February 1990 in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, the right-arm medium-pacer built his reputation on late swing, control, and an uncanny ability to move the ball both ways. He remains one of the few bowlers whose first wicket in Tests, ODIs and T20Is were all bowled. He can prove to be a key player in South African conditions given his style of bowling. That domestic return carries a huge significance if he wants to make a comeback to the other format.
The Vijay Hazare Trophy is India’s premier 50-over competition and the traditional pathway for players looking for an ODI recall. With the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching in southern Africa, selectors will look for evidence that experienced seamers can still bowl a full quota of overs and maintain control. Bhuvneshwar has never publicly spoken about an ODI return, yet participating in the longer format after years focused on T20 cricket would put him firmly back in the conversation. His career ODI record is excellent with 141 wickets in 121 matches at an economy of just over five which is still good among Indian pacers of his generation.
