Archive · 10 Aug 2026
Bhuvneshwar Kumar Ready for India Recall, Eyes 2027 World Cup
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is a famous Indian fast bowler.
He has not played for India's one-day team since 2022.
Now he says he is absolutely ready to play for India again if the team calls him.
He has been bowling very well in the IPL, a big cricket league, where he took 28 wickets.
He also joined a team called the Lucknow Falcons for the UP T20 League, which starts on August 14.
Kumar says his job is just to play cricket and that choosing the team is up to the selectors.
Another Indian bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, is hurt and cannot play in the Test series against Sri Lanka.
Because Bumrah has been injured a lot, people are talking about needing more bowlers.
Kumar still hopes to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup one day.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar said he is 'absolutely ready' to return to the Indian team if selected.
Kumar last played an ODI for India in January 2022 and a T20I in November 2022.
He was the second-highest wicket-taker in IPL 2026 with 28 wickets in 16 matches.
Ravichandran Ashwin backed Kumar for a surprise 2027 ODI World Cup squad spot citing South African conditions.
Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka due to persistent fitness concerns, with Auqib Nabi replacing him.
- Who
- Indian pace bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar, spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and injured teammate Jasprit Bumrah.
- What
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar said he is ready for an India recall and hopes to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup, while Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out of the Sri Lanka Test series.
- When
- Kumar spoke ahead of the UP T20 League, which begins August 14; his last ODI was in January 2022.
- Where
- India (UP T20 League) and the Test series against Sri Lanka; the 2027 World Cup is slated for South African conditions.
- Why
- Bumrah's persistent injury concerns have raised calls for bowling reinforcements, and Kumar has impressed with strong IPL form.
Readiness for Selection
Selectors' Decision
Kumar's international return
Readiness for Selection
Kumar says he is 'absolutely ready' to return to the Indian team if he receives a call.
Selectors' Decision
Kumar admits 'I cannot say exactly how ready I am' and says the selectors' call decides his preparedness.
- Player
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar (36-year-old pacer)
- Last ODI for India
- January 2022 in South Africa
- Last T20I for India
- November 2022 in New Zealand
- IPL 2026 Form
- Second-highest wicket-taker: 28 wickets in 16 matches at average 17.8
- Current Team
- Lucknow Falcons (UP T20 League, 4th edition)
- Career White-Ball Record
- 141 wickets in 121 ODIs; 90 wickets in 87 T20Is
- Injured Player
- Jasprit Bumrah, ruled out of two-match Test series vs Sri Lanka
- Bumrah's Replacement
- Auqib Nabi
