Bhuvneshwar Kumar: Could he be India’s World Cup weapon? Former India off-spinner R Ashwin has strongly backed Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to the national team, urging selectors to consider the 36-year-old for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Ashwin believes India’s current pace attack lacks the big tournament experience, highlighting Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s recent IPL success with Royal Challengers Bengaluru as proof he can still deliver.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar played a key role in RCB’s back-to-back IPL titles, taking 45 wickets in the last two seasons. His fitness and consistent performances helped the franchise end its long trophy drought and successfully defend the title. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin argued that Bhuvneshwar deserves a World Cup spot due to his ability to swing the ball, bowl at the death, and contribute with the bat.
Ashwin questioned whether inexperienced fast bowlers like Gurnoor, Prasidh, and Prince are ready for a World Cup campaign. He suggested that a mix of youth and experience, including Bhuvneshwar Kumar alongside Jasprit Bumrah, would be more balanced. He stressed that with only 12 months to go, it’s time to finalize the pace attack.
Ashwin concluded that while young bowlers like Harshit have been given chances, selectors must identify their core group of four or five pacers. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, with his proven track record and fitness, should definitely be part of that conversation.