New Delhi: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has downplayed talks of his India comeback as he continues to dazzle for the defending champions in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The senior Indian pacer said he doesn’t make long-term plans and his not thinking about his return for the Men in Blue.
Bhuvneshwar last played for India in a T20I against New Zealand in November 2022. The 36-year-old was sidelined from the national team owing to his age, form and fitness issues. However, Bhuvneshwar has revived his India hopes with his strong performances for RCB in the IPL.
After playing a key role in his team’s maiden IPL title triumph last year, the senior Indian pacer has continued his fine form in the ongoing season. Bhuvneshwar has been exceptional with the new ball, relying on his usual swinging ability to get the better of some of the best batters in the tournament. With increased pace, Bhuvneshwar has also improved his death bowling significantly to develop an all-round game.
His heroics in the IPL 2026 have led to intensified talks regarding his comeback for India. Recently former India spinner R Ashwin backed Bhuvneshwar to make his comeback in India’s T20I setup. However, the RCB pacer is not worried about his return for the Men in Blue.
“I am not thinking about India’s comeback. It has been many years since I stopped keeping or making long-term goals, because whenever I did that, it never worked for me,” Bhuvneshwar said in a video shared by RCB.
“I am happy that I have played 200 matches and taken so many wickets, in the powerplay and at the death. I think it is all a reward for what I have done over the years,” he added.
𝗕𝗵𝘂𝘃𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗵𝘄𝗮𝗿 𝗞𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗿: 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘌𝘹𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘢 𝘏𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘵 🫡
Close to two decades of discipline, progress, and even in the era of the Impact Player rule where bowlers are taken for runs, what makes Bhuvi one of the toughest bowlers to face -… pic.twitter.com/9ING9Ugae7
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 12, 2026
Not feeling anything special: Bhuvneshwar
Bhuvneshwar is currently the leading wicket-taker in the IPL 2026 with 21 wickets in 11 matches in the tournament so far. The senior pacer has spearheaded RCB’s pace attack phenomenally well so far this season and has played an instrumental role in his team’s brilliant run this season.
However, Bhuvneshwar admitted there is no special feeling for him as far as his performances are concerned in the IPL 2026. The pacer remains focused on continuing his fine form to help RCB repeat their title-winning feat from last season to win back-to-back trophies.
“There have been good years and bad years. At this point in time, I am not feeling anything special. Of course, I would be lying if I said that I will not feel it later on. Once I stop playing, I think these will be memories that will come in handy later,” said Bhuvneshwar.