Bhuvneshwar Kumar has claimed 90 wickets in 87 T20Is for India. The veteran Indian pacer recently spoke about his retirement plans and his growing frustration with the BCCI selectors. Since making his debut in 2013, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has represented India in 21 Tests, 121 ODIs, and 87 T20Is.
Renowned for his exceptional swing bowling, Bhuvneshwar has taken 63 Test, 141 ODI, and 90 T20I wickets. Yet, injuries and fluctuations in form prevented him from reaching the heights many expected. His Test career, in particular, remained unfinished, with his last appearance in 2018. He last played an ODI in 2022, and his final T20I also came the same year.
Bhuvneshwar stepped in for Jasprit Bumrah during his back injury and featured in the ICC T20 World Cups in 2021 and 2022. However, with Bumrah’s return and Arshdeep Singh emerging as a strong contender, Bhuvneshwar Kumar gradually slipped out of the national spotlight.
“As long as I am fit, I will play” – Bhuvneshwar Kumar on his hopes for an Indian comeback
Despite stellar performances in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) maiden IPL 2025 title win, seasoned pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has largely been overlooked by the national selectors. Yet, the 35-year-old shows no signs of retiring anytime soon.
“I am enjoying my bowling and haven’t thought about retirement yet. As long as I am fit, I will keep playing; the rest is up to the selectors,” Bhuvneshwar told Dainik Jagran.
When asked about a potential return to the Indian team, Bhuvneshwar Kumar remained pragmatic: “Only the selectors can answer that. My job is to give my 100 percent on the field, and that’s exactly what I’m doing.”
Hoping for a fresh opportunity under Rajeev Shukla Currently, Bhuvneshwar is featuring in the 2025 Uttar Pradesh T20 League, where he has picked up nine wickets in eight matches at an economy rate of 6.76 and an average of 20.67.
He remains focused on performing consistently in domestic cricket. “After the UP League, if I get opportunities in the Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Ranji Trophy, or one-day formats for the state, I will give my best there too. As a disciplined bowler, I prioritize fitness and line and length. Performance is key. Even if luck doesn’t always favor you, good cricket can’t be ignored forever.”
On the role of selectors, Bhuvneshwar Kumar added, “Even if you’re not picked, focus on giving your 100 percent. The rest is for the selectors to decide. With Rajeev Shukla as president, it will be difficult to overlook talent.”
