Bhuvneshwar Kumar of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (ANI photo) It has been four years since Bhuvneshwar Kumar last played for India in a T20I, a quiet game against New Zealand in Napier that came soon after India’s semi-final exit at the T20 World Cup in Australia in 2022. After that tournament, he was dropped during India’s switch to the shortest format and has not appeared since.However, his performances in IPL 2026 have re-opened the debate about an international comeback. Bhuvneshwar, who now leads the Purple Cap race, has taken 21 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 15.28 and an economy rate of 7.46, underlining a remarkable revival at the age of 36.
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Krunal Pandya opens the match winning game and RCB’s playoff runHis last outstanding performance came against Mumbai Indians where he produced a match-winning spell of 4/23, dismissing key batsmen including Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton and Suryakumar Yadav. He also contributed with the bat, hitting a crucial six that helped his team recover in a tense phase of the innings.Former cricketer Aakash Chopra strongly supported the appeal, pointing to both form and consistency. He said on his YouTube channel, “Bhuvneshwar Kumar, you have been absolutely outstanding. I say he should be made a place in the Indian T20I team again. He has taken four wickets. He has taken three or more wickets six times this season. Before that, in the 19-year history, only one bowler has taken three wickets in the Bhu02 season, which was already six times in Harvi.2 Harviatel. he did it here. He plays with an economy of less than eight.”Chopra also highlighted India’s busy T20I calendar and hinted that consistent domestic form should be rewarded with opportunities at the international level.Bhuvneshwar’s IPL 2026 season, with consistent performances, winning spells and elite economic control, has forced the selectors to at least revisit a conversation that once seemed closed.
