Bhuvneshwar Kumar on Future Plans and India Return

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has made a clear statement about his cricketing future, saying he intends to keep playing and that any decision on an India recall rests entirely with the selectors. The 36-year-old seamer last played an ODI for India in January 2022, and last appeared in a Test match in 2018. With the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon, questions about experienced bowlers returning to the national side have grown, but Bhuvneshwar has been measured in his response.

Speaking to The Times of India ahead of the UPT20 League, Bhuvneshwar was direct about his motivation.

"I haven't come to play in the UPT20 League because I want to get picked somewhere or move to another level. I'm playing simply because I want to play," he said. He made equally clear that judging his readiness for higher honours is not his concern. "How prepared I am is not for me to decide; the rest is the selectors' call," said Bhuvneshwar.

Bhuvneshwar's comments come on the back of a strong IPL 2026 campaign with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He took 28 wickets for the franchise, finishing second in the overall wicket-taker list, one short of the Purple Cap. He also reached the milestone of 200 IPL wickets during the season. RCB went on to win the IPL 2026 title, defeating Gujarat Titans in the final on May 31, 2026.

Bhuvneshwar has been candid and consistent about a national return. Rather than positioning himself as a contender or dismissing the possibility, he has pointed squarely to the selection panel as the authority on the matter.

"As for what the senior and veteran players are saying, that's their opinion. For me, I enjoy playing and I love cricket. My job is only to play, and I'm here for the UPT20 League. How prepared I am is not for me to decide; the rest is the selectors' call," he continued.

"I'm here to play, and that's what I'm doing. My job is to play cricket; judging how prepared I am isn't something that I focus on."

His impressive form in IPL 2026 has kept his name in selection conversations. Finishing second among all wicket-takers in the tournament, with 28 scalps to his name for RCB, demonstrated that he remains competitive at the highest domestic level. Whether that translates into a national recall before the 2027 ODI World Cup is, as he has said, a matter for the selectors alone.

When asked about first-class cricket, Bhuvneshwar did not commit to a firm answer but made his broader intention plain. He acknowledged that a significant amount of cricket remains before any major tournament and said his focus is simply on staying active in the game for as long as possible.

Chopra on Bhuvneshwar and Shami's World Cup comeback

"There’s still plenty of time, and a lot of cricket to be played before that. I can’t say right now whether I’ll play first-class cricket or not, but my aim is to keep playing as much cricket as I can," he said.

His continued involvement in franchise cricket, including the UPT20 League, reflects that intent.

"First-class cricket is a big season. Many fast bowlers got injured, and the lack of bowlers was visible. Through the speed hunt, we have found a bunch of pace bowlers from across the state. They were also seen in the UPT20 League, and one of the scouted players became the uncapped highest bidder in the mini-auction. Through this initiative, UPCA will nurture young pace talent. It will help in the domestic season," the pacer added.

With immense international experience under his belt, Bhuvneshwar Kumar can be a valuable asset for Team India in the marquee event.