Stories
Swing it Like Bhuvi: Meerut Veteran Makes Stunning Comeback After Four Years
- •Bhuvneshwar Kumar is set for a national team comeback in 2026 after being dropped by the selection committee in 2022.
- •The 36-year-old veteran earned his recall following stellar performances in the 2025 and 2026 IPL seasons, claiming 45 wickets for RCB.
- •Known for his exceptional swing bowling, Bhuvneshwar mastered his craft through years of dedication rather than relying on raw pace.
- •Despite facing setbacks and being sidelined during Ajit Agarkar's tenure as chief selector, his hard work and consistent domestic performances paved the way for his return.
Key Questions Answered
Bhuvneshwar Kumar earned his national team recall following stellar performances across consecutive Indian Premier League seasons in 2025 and 2026 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he anchored their campaign with 45 total wickets. His mastery of swinging the white cherry and executing incisive spells ultimately paved the way for his comeback after four years away.
Bhuvneshwar fell out of favor following Chetan Sharma's selection committee evaluation after struggling in the 2022 WT20 semi-finals against England and a subsequent tour of New Zealand. During those outings, selectors noted a drop in his pace and a lack of swing, prompting the team to transition toward younger pace options.
When Ajit Agarkar served as chairman of selectors, his philosophy focused primarily on looking toward the future, leaving little support for selectors like Rudra Pratap Singh who advocated for Bhuvneshwar's inclusion. Once Agarkar moved on, internal resistance eased, clearing the path for the veteran fast bowler's long-awaited return.
