Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s India return could reopen a World Cup door

For Bhuvneshwar Kumar, an India comeback had gradually become something he had stopped chasing. After his last international appearance in November 2022, the veteran pacer had settled into life outside the national team, focusing on franchise and domestic cricket without setting himself long-term targets.
That changed on Tuesday.
The 36-year-old was named in India’s squad for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, ending a nearly four-year absence from the national setup. His recall came after two productive IPL seasons with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, including 28 wickets in the 2026 campaign that helped RCB win their second successive title. He took 45 wickets across the two title-winning seasons.
Bhuvneshwar’s return is primarily a T20I selection. Jasprit Bumrah has been rested for the series as India manage his workload, while the ODI and Test assignments on the New Zealand tour are expected to take precedence for several frontline players. Yet the recall inevitably raises another question: could Bhuvneshwar force his way back into India’s ODI plans for the 2027 World Cup?
The timing makes the possibility worth exploring.
India’s bowling attack has offered far fewer certainties in ODIs than their batting unit this year. The recent series against West Indies exposed those concerns again. India won 2-1, but conceded 1,038 runs across three matches, including 352 in the final ODI, when West Indies chased down India’s total.
Across 12 ODIs in 2026, India’s bowlers have averaged 41.86, while their batting average stands at 50.28. The contrast highlights the problem facing the selectors: India have considerable depth with the bat, but finding reliable support for Bumrah has proved considerably harder.
Bhuvneshwar could offer something different from the younger options. His experience, ability to move the new ball and understanding of white-ball conditions remain valuable. But there is a major question surrounding his 50-over readiness.
He has largely restricted himself to T20 cricket in recent seasons and last played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2023. An ODI comeback would therefore require more than a successful T20I series. His fitness, workload and ability to sustain his effectiveness across 10-over spells would all need to be assessed.
For now, New Zealand provides the first test of where Bhuvneshwar stands. His last India appearance also came against New Zealand in November 2022.
And the pacer has already made his position clear. Asked about the possibility of playing in the 2027 World Cup, he said he would be “absolutely ready” if selected, while leaving the final decision to the selectors.
At 36, Bhuvneshwar is no longer an obvious part of India’s long-term planning. But his recall has reopened a door that seemed firmly closed. If he can prove that his body can handle the demands of 50-over cricket again, the New Zealand T20Is could become the first step towards a far bigger comeback.