Bhuvneshwar Kumar keeps India comeback door open but says he has 'nothing left to prove'

Veteran fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar has said he would be happy to represent India again but is no longer playing cricket with the objective of proving himself or forcing his way back into the national side. The 36-year-old, who last represented India in 2022, has continued to produce impressive performances in domestic and franchise cricket, leading to renewed calls for selectors to reconsider him for an international comeback.

Bhuvneshwar has been particularly effective for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League over the past two seasons. He claimed 17 wickets in IPL 2025 before producing an even stronger campaign in 2026, when he picked up 28 wickets at an average of 17.89 and finished just one wicket short of securing a record third Purple Cap. His performances have prompted former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and others to back the experienced seamer for another opportunity, with the 2027 ODI World Cup also entering the discussion.

Comeback door open

Speaking to Jatin Sapru, Bhuvneshwar acknowledged that he believes he remains capable of playing for the national team but stressed that an India recall is no longer the motivation behind his cricket. He said he has moved beyond the stage when he would constantly wait for the announcement of the next squad or allow selection decisions to determine his state of mind.

The pacer revealed that after India’s T20I tour of New Zealand in November 2022, he initially believed he could still return to the national set-up. A conversation with the team management had given him the impression that he might be considered for subsequent series, but the opportunity did not arrive. Bhuvneshwar said he eventually stopped waiting for selection and accepted that his international career might not resume.

At peace with career

Bhuvneshwar also recalled telling his wife during the 2022 T20 World Cup that the tournament could be his final World Cup for India. He said that while players generally sense when their international careers may be approaching a turning point, he remains ready should another opportunity emerge.

The Uttar Pradesh pacer continues to play in the IPL and domestic competitions, including the UP T20 League, and has said his motivation now comes primarily from his love for cricket. Bhuvneshwar has represented India in 21 Tests, 121 ODIs and 87 T20Is, taking 63, 141 and 90 wickets respectively. Despite nearly four years away from international cricket, his recent performances have ensured that the possibility of an India comeback continues to generate debate.