Veteran Indian fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar has made it clear that he is fully prepared for a return to the national team if the opportunity arises.
The 36-year-old pacer, who is currently gearing up to spearhead the Lucknow Falcons in the upcoming Uttar Pradesh T20 League, addressed the growing speculations regarding his international comeback.
Bhuvneshwar last represented India in a T20 International against New Zealand in November 2022. However, a highly successful Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 campaign has reignited conversations about his potential return to the highest level.
Speaking to the media during a recent training session ahead of the UP T20 League, Bhuvneshwar was asked about his prospects of donning the India blue jersey once again and whether he was eyeing a spot in the 2027 ODI World Cup squad.
“Why would I say no if I get a call? Absolutely ready,” Bhuvneshwar responded straightforwardly.
Despite his willingness to return, the experienced swing bowler emphasized that his primary focus remains firmly on the present rather than chasing national selection. He stated that his participation in domestic tournaments is driven by his love for the game, not as a calculated stepping stone to regain his spot in the Indian team.
“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,” he explained. “I haven’t come to play in the UPT20 League because I want to get picked somewhere or move to another level. We play IPL knowing we have to perform and win matches for the team, but I didn’t come here to the UP T20 league hoping to get picked elsewhere or because someone said something.”
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The recalling for Bhuvneshwar in India’s white-ball setup have grown significantly following his exceptional performances for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The right-arm seamer played a pivotal role in RCB’s title-winning run in IPL 2026, finishing as the tournament’s second-highest wicket-taker with 28 scalps in 16 matches. He was particularly lethal with the new ball, claiming 17 of those wickets during the powerplay overs.
For now, Bhuvneshwar remains focused on his immediate task at hand: leading the bowling attack for the Lucknow Falcons. The fourth edition of the UP T20 League is scheduled to commence on August 14.