Bumrah-Bhuvi for World Cup 2027? Ashwin’s bold claim after Bhuvneshwar’s India return

Former spinner R Ashwin has boldly stated that he can see Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowling in tandem for India during next year’s World Cup. Bhuvneshwar returned to the Indian T20I side for the tour of New Zealand.

Bhuvneshwar’s career in India has been suspended since the T20 World Cup semi-final against England in Adelaide in November 2022. Almost four years later, the 36-year-old has forced his way back into the national reckoning with a string of impressive performances in the IPL.

His consistency for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the last two seasons played a major role in his comeback. Bhuvneshwar took 45 wickets in the 2025 and 2026 IPL campaigns, contributing to RCB’s triumphs in that period.

In particular, his 2026 season stood out. The veteran pacer finished with 28 wickets, while maintaining an economy rate of 7.95, underscoring the impact he continues to have with the ball.

Ashwin said on his YouTube channel that Bhuvneshwar could have been an asset to India in all formats like Bumah had he worked harder and avoided injuries.

“I’m very excited and happy for Bhuvneshwar Kumar because he’s a very unassuming guy. And yes, I’m sticking my neck out again to say this: if he worked a little harder, if the timing was right and if he avoided these injuries, with the skills he has, he could have been king for India across all formats.”

“You want swing? He’s got swing. If you want it to go one way, he can do that. If you want it to go both ways, he can do that, too. And then he’s got decent pace.”

“Yes, when he played a few games in Australia, it was a bit difficult for him as well. But he had some fitness issues. He could have contributed really well with the bat. He has very, very good hands and catches well.”

“I feel he could have given even more to Indian cricket across formats,” Ashwin said.

The former spinner said that if Bhuvneshwar can show fitness and form in New Zealand, then he will be back in the ODI squad immediately after returning to the national team.

“He’s going to New Zealand now. I’m telling you, if he does well, everyone will immediately say, just put him in the ODI team as well. The selectors will be watching very closely.”

“If he swings the ball and shows decent fitness, nobody can stop Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar sitting together on the World Cup flight and Bhuvneshwar bowling the first ball in the World Cup,” Ashwin said.

Ashwin explained why he thinks Bhuvneshwar can return to the ODI squad. He pointed out how the bowlers struggled against the West Indies as they conceded 405 and 352 in the last two games.

The former spinner feels that Bhuvneshwar can be an insurance for the team with his experience and skills.

“Look at how they are getting batted in this series against the West Indies. They need experience in the bowling department. Be careful. If you go to South Africa and play half-ball, they will completely shut you down.”

“So when they got the idea, they thought, ‘Okay, let’s put Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the T20 team as a sort of fixed deposit of 6 per cent’.”

“Let’s say it continues. Now imagine there’s some setback in New Zealand. I’m just saying hypothetically. If necessary, I feel they might keep Bhuvneshwar after the T20 series. Then we’ll see what happens in the ODI series. It’ll be interesting,” Ashwin said.

India will take on New Zealand in a five-match T20I series starting on October 22.

– The end