India pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has revealed that he never actively pursued a return to the national team during his four-year absence and attributed his family’s support as crucial to his comeback.
Kumar marked his return to India’s playing eleven in the first T20I against New Zealand in Christchurch, his first international appearance since 2022. The 36-year-old earned a recall nearly four years after his last match, following consistent performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
In a video released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Kumar reflected on his journey back to the national side. He explained that focusing on the present without setting expectations was key during the last three to four years.
“Family, I know there is not much to say about family, but credit goes to them as well. I think that would be surprising that we have not even once for a single day never talked about what about comeback for India. I think that played a big role,” he said.
He added, “I have not set any expectations for myself. I think that’s how things worked out for me in the last 3-4 years. No expectations, just keep doing your work. Generally, we talk about being present; don’t think about the future. I think that’s the headspace I am in right now. And that has happened in the last 3-4 years. I know I didn’t play for the country. But the things I did, the maturity that came in me as a person. I think it taught me to just be in the present.”
Kumar expressed pride and happiness at representing India again, saying, “There’s hardly any pride bigger than that of representing your country. I am getting to do that again, so I’m really happy.”
His career revival has been marked by success with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL, where he has taken 45 wickets in 31 matches at an average of 22.55 and an economy rate of 8.52. Kumar’s performances have helped RCB secure consecutive titles in 2025 and 2026.
He stated that he entered the last two IPL seasons without personal expectations but maintained preparation in fitness, skills and mental strength. Kumar reiterated that he never chased an India comeback during his absence and was surprised at how quickly the time passed.
“I think there were zero expectations in the last two IPL seasons. I went to the IPL with zero expectations from myself. But it wasn’t like I didn’t prepare. I did all the preparation. From fitness to skills, the mental aspect, I did all that. But yes, there was zero expectation as to what I would do. Of course, I had to contribute to the team. But I never thought that I would go to the IPL like this, that I would get two IPL titles in two years. Four years, I never chased this Indian jersey. So honestly, I didn’t even know when those four years passed,” he said.
In his comeback match, Kumar bowled four overs for 49 runs in a high-scoring contest and will aim to improve his performance in the second T20I on Saturday.
India currently lead the five-match series 1-0, having secured a four-wicket victory in the opening match. Sanju Samson contributed a fluent 67 from 33 balls, while Naman Dhir scored an unbeaten 42 off 15 deliveries to guide India to victory with two balls remaining. Captain Shreyas Iyer also added 42 runs from 28 balls.
Earlier, Glenn Phillips scored an unbeaten 82 from 40 balls and Finn Allen made 45 from 24 deliveries as New Zealand posted 225 for 4, their highest total in home T20 internationals.