'At peace' - Bhuvneshwar Kumar not in hot pursuit of India comeback

Team India are currently trying various permutations and combinations to stack up a strong squad for the upcoming ODI World Cup in 2027. The prime focus is on the fast-bowling department, which lacks experience. 

Unless an untimely injury, India's pace battery will be spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah. But barring Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, who should also make it unless his wicket-taking form goes for a toss, India do not have an experienced pacer who has represented the country lately.

The selectors are currently looking at Gurnoor Brar, Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana in the 50-overs format. While Rana has largely been impressive, the other two haven't quite grabbed the opportunities that have come their way.

Bumrah is injury-prone and is currently nursing a blow to the knee he sustained during the second ODI of the recent England series, which ruled him out of the decider at Lord's and was one of the prominent reasons behind India's loss.

The sheer lack of experience in the fast bowling domain has led to calls for the inclusion of veteran pacers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami. However, both quicks haven't played for the Men in Blue in a very long time.

While Shami was a part of India's Champions Trophy-winning squad in 2025, Bhuvneshwar's last ODI appearance came against South Africa in Paarl on January 21, 2022.

Bhuvneshwar has also clarified that he is gratified with what he has achieved for India and is not actively chasing an international return.

“I am at peace, and I give credit to my family. At home, we never talk about cricket. We never talk about whether I’ll get back into the Indian team, why I wasn’t selected, or what went wrong. That played a big role, and there is no regret. When you’re a core member of a team, everyone says: “Team comes first.” But when you’re no longer in the team, naturally you feel: “Maybe I should still be there,” Bhuvneshwar said on the RCB Podcast.

“I understand that transitions are a part of sport. I understand that generations change. I’m not the first player to experience this, and I certainly won’t be the last. That is part of the game. Family plays a big role. I am happy being where I am,” he added.

“I’ve already played for India. That’s not something I have to achieve now. If I get another opportunity, that’s great, but I’ve been there. Everything I’m doing now is because of my love for the game. I know I have to stay disciplined. I play domestic cricket; I play the UP T20 League. I make sure I play enough cricket to stay in touch, while also giving myself enough breaks to recover and stay refreshed,” he mentioned.