IPL 2026: Ravichandran Ashwin backs Bhuvneshwar Kumar for India return after sensational display in RCB’s win over MI

Table of Contents

In the high-stakes arena of IPL 2026, where youthful exuberance often steals the headlines, veteran seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has proven that masterclass skills are timeless. Following a breathtaking four-wicket haul that propelled Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a thrilling last-ball victory over Mumbai Indians (MI), legendary off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has thrown his weight behind the ‘Bring Back Bhuvi’ movement.

Speaking on JioHotstar’s ‘Match Centre Live’, Ashwin didn’t just praise the pacer; he made a compelling case for Bhuvneshwar’s return to the Indian T20I setup.

Bhuvneshwar, now 36, is currently spearheading a resurgence that mirrors his legendary Purple Cap winning years. On a Raipur surface characterized by uneven bounce and subtle grip, the veteran dismantled the MI top order with surgical precision. His figures of 4/23 included the prized scalps of Rohit Sharma, dismissed by a trademark, deceptive knuckleball, and Suryakumar Yadav for a first-ball duck.

Ashwin was particularly enamoured with Bhuvneshwar’s adaptability, describing his performance as “proper Test-match bowling” in a T20 format. Beyond the wickets, it was Bhuvneshwar’s all-round contribution that sealed the game for RCB. In a chase of 167 that became unnecessarily tight, the seamer hammered a crucial six in the final over, easing the pressure before Rasikh Salam Dar hit the winning runs.

“Hashtag ‘BringBackBhuvi, I would love to see him being considered for the T20I side. He ticks every box: lethal with the new ball, disciplined at the death, and even capable of hitting a six under extreme pressure,” Ashwin remarked enthusiastically.

Also WATCH: Tim David’s controversial gesture grabs attention after RCB seal thrilling win over MI in IPL 2026

The victory was not without its hurdles. RCB’s chase stuttered early, especially with Virat Kohli falling for a second consecutive golden duck. It took a heroic, counter-attacking 73 off 46 balls from Krunal Pandya to keep the ship steady. Ashwin lauded Krunal’s pressure management, jokingly comparing his efficiency to that of a top-tier project manager.

While the win catapulted RCB to the top of the IPL 2026 points table with 14 points, it simultaneously ended Mumbai Indians’ playoff dreams. MI now joins Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) as the teams officially eliminated from the race.

Despite the euphoria, Ashwin pointed out areas for improvement, specifically the form of Romario Shepherd. However, he advised the RCB management to remain patient. “When you have the luxury of sitting at the top of the table, you can afford to invest in a player like Shepherd. If he turns it on in a big game, that patience will be rewarded,” he added.

As the tournament enters its business end, the narrative is firmly centered on Bhuvneshwar. With 21 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 15.28, the seamer isn’t just leading RCB’s attack; he is making a loud, undeniable statement to the national selectors. Whether the Indian team management heeds Ashwin’s call remains to be seen, but for now, “Bhuvi” is the undisputed king of the swing.

Also WATCH: Krunal Pandya gets emotional while recalling unforgettable MI memories after RCB’s dramatic win