It has been nearly four years since Bhuvneshwar Kumar last made an international appearance for India, but the veteran pacer is once again making a strong case for national selection. In the recent IPL
season, he played a starring role with the ball for Royal Challengers Bengaluru as they retained their title, finishing with 28 wickets – just one short of Purple Cap winner Kagiso Rabada.
Such was his impact that even Sachin Tendulkar shared a nearly two-minute video analysing how the 36-year-old has been effectively using the wobble seam to outfox batters.
The 28 wickets are the most Bhuvneshwar has taken in a single IPL season, and his performances have naturally sparked discussions about a possible return to the Indian team. However, the pacer is not dwelling on the prospect and has left the decision entirely in the hands of the selectors.
“It’s my nature that I don’t want to show that I want to play,” Bhuvneshwar told The Indian Express. “I think everyone is doing their job. Selectors are doing their job. I’m doing my job. It’s their responsibility to select. If they think I’m good enough, they will do their job.”
While he may be downplaying his chances, Bhuvneshwar acknowledged the prestige that comes with representing India and said he considers himself fortunate to have done so.
“I have played, I have done what I had to do. If I hadn’t played, I would have been dying to be asked to play a match. I think it’s a big thing to play for India, I won’t say it’s a small thing, I’m one of the lucky ones that I have played,” he said.
Bhuvneshwar made a memorable start to his international career, producing a sensational delivery with the very first ball of his India career. Pakistan batter Mohammad Hafeez shouldered arms, only to watch helplessly as the ball swung back in and crashed into his off stump.
“I don’t think I have got the ball to swing as much as that debut wicket. I don’t even know how I did that much swing bowling,” Bhuvneshwar said of his iconic delivery.
Bhuvneshwar has represented India across all three formats and has taken 294 international wickets in his career so far.
