1 hr ago
Vihari Urges India to Recall Bhuvneshwar After West Indies Chase
India scored 351 runs in an ODI against the West Indies.
But the West Indies scored more and won by five wickets.
They finished their chase in 48.2 overs.
Former India player Hanuma Vihari said the bowling needs to improve.
He wants India to consider bringing back Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami.
Bhuvneshwar last played an ODI for India in 2022.
Vihari said India should not depend only on Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya for important breakthroughs.
He believes experienced bowlers could help the team prepare for the 2027 World Cup.
India lost the third ODI by five wickets after failing to defend 351 against the West Indies.
The West Indies completed the chase in 48.2 overs, making it their highest-ever chase, according to the article.
Hanuma Vihari urged India to recall Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami for the ODI setup.
Bhuvneshwar last played an ODI for India in 2022 and took 45 IPL wickets across the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
Vihari said India needs experienced backup bowlers ahead of the 2027 World Cup and criticized the attack’s performance.
- Who
- India, the West Indies, and former India cricketer Hanuma Vihari.
- What
- After India failed to defend 351 and lost the third ODI by five wickets, Vihari called for Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami to return to the ODI setup.
- Where
- When
- The article was published on October 4, 2026; the third ODI is described without a separate match date.
- Why
- Vihari said India needs more experienced bowling options and should not rely on a small number of players for breakthroughs ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
Vihari's criticism
Current bowling approach described
Experience and backup options
Vihari's criticism
Vihari urged India to bring back Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami, arguing that experience would provide stability and backup.
Current bowling approach described
The article describes India as relying on Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya for breakthroughs, with Mohammed Siraj either overlooked or out of form; it gives no direct response from the team to Vihari's proposal.
Readiness for the World Cup
Vihari's criticism
Vihari called the failure to defend 351 a wake-up call and said the bowling attack needed investigation.
Current bowling approach described
The article reports the team's recent match results and bowling options but does not include a counterargument from India or its selectors.
Key facts
- Match result
- West Indies beat India by five wickets in the third ODI.
- India's total
- 351 runs.
- Chase time
- West Indies completed the chase in 48.2 overs.
- Vihari's recommendation
- Recall Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami to the ODI setup.
- Bhuvneshwar's last ODI
- He last played an ODI for India in 2022.
- Bhuvneshwar's IPL wickets
- 45 wickets across the 2025 and 2026 seasons for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
- Upcoming tournament
- The 2027 World Cup was described as less than a year away.
Quotes
Hanuma Vihari
Former Indian cricketer commenting on the national ODI team.
“You cannot depend on Bumrah and Hardik. You have to have backup in case of such injuries. I will say go with experience. Get Bhuvneshwar and Shami back.”
news18.com
“I think they have to bring Bhuvneshwar Kumar back. In my opinion, he is still one of the best bowlers in the country. He is proving in the IPL.”
news18.com
Sources
Related news
Bhuvneshwar Kumar Open to India Return After IPL Revival
Gill Flags Fielding and Death Bowling After West Indies Defeat
Gambhir Backs Gill, Highlights Rohit and Virat’s Guidance
India Seek Bowling Redemption Against West Indies in Final ODI
BCCI Names Replacements for Krishna and Sundar
Siraj Likely To Return As Krishna Misses West Indies ODI
Abhishek Sharma's selection questioned over Sanju Samson's snub
Ex-Cricketer Criticizes Shubman Gill's Captaincy After Series Loss
CSK Trades for Samson to Boost Fanbase
Ranji Trophy: Kushagra's Double Ton Leads Jharkhand, Multiple Centuries Score Big
