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'Why would I say no? Absolutely ready!': Bhuvneshwar Kumar opens door for Team India recall for 2027 World Cup originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- India star Bhuvneshwar Kumar is ready for a potential 2027 World Cup recall.
- Veteran pacer's impressive IPL form with RCB revives selection debate.
- R Ashwin, Ravi Shastri, and Dinesh Karthik back Kumar's case for national squad return.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar remains open to India World Cup recall
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has made it clear he's fully prepared to pull on the India jersey once again should selectors prioritise experience and his ability to swing the ball in southern African conditions over age considerations and long-term squad planning ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
The veteran pacer's white-ball resume speaks for itself, having played 121 ODIs and picked up 141 wickets at an average of 35.11, maintaining an economy rate of 5.08, with career-best figures of 5 for 42.
His T20I record is equally impressive, with 90 wickets from 87 matches at an average of 23.10, including two five-wicket hauls. Kumar formed a crucial part of India's title-winning squad at the 2013 Champions Trophy.
Kumar fell out of favour with selectors following 2022, largely due to recurring injuries and a broader shift toward blooding younger fast bowlers. Since then, he's steadily rebuilt his case through consistently strong performances across back-to-back IPL title wins with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2025 and 2026.
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He picked up 17 wickets at an economy of 9.28 last season, following it up with 28 wickets at a considerably tighter economy of 7.95 this year. His performances should reassure selectors that his control and swing with the new ball remain very much intact.
Speaking on Sunday while joining Lucknow Falcons' training session ahead of the UP T20 League starting August 14, the 36-year-old was asked about his prospects for World Cup selection.
“Why would I say no if I get a call? Absolutely ready,” Kumar said.
“Honestly, I cannot say exactly how ready I am. My job is to play cricket and that is why I have come here to play in the UP T20 league. I didn’t come here with the intention of moving to another place or reaching another level.
“We play IPL knowing we have to perform and win matches for the team, but I didn’t come here to the UP T20 league hoping to get picked elsewhere or because someone said something.”
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Shastri & Ashwin back Kumar's case for 2027 World Cup inclusion
Several respected voices in Indian cricket have supported Kumar's potential return. Ravichandran Ashwin recently stated unequivocally that Kumar deserves a recall, while Shastri, in his predicted 15-man World Cup squad, included both Kumar and Mohammed Shami. Dinesh Karthik similarly named Kumar in his projected squad, citing his experience and versatility across different stages of the game.
Responding to this widespread support, Kumar remained measured, acknowledging that such opinions belong to those expressing them while reiterating that his only job is to focus on playing cricket.
“What everyone is saying is their opinion,” Kumar said. “My job is simply to play cricket. I didn’t come here with the sole aim of doing well or advancing to the next level and as I’ve said before, I love the game and playing is my passion, which is why I play.”
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Why age shouldn't overshadow Bhuvneswar Kumar's obvious value
Kumar's skill set, particularly his control with the new ball and effectiveness at the death, aligns with what India would need across pitches in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia during the 2027 tournament.
The concern around his age - he'd be 37 by the time the World Cup takes place in October-November 2027- is valid but shouldn't automatically disqualify him from consideration.
Cricket has repeatedly shown that experienced bowlers who maintain their skills often outperform younger, less battle-tested options in high-pressure cricket. What matters more than age alone is form, fitness, and tactical value, and Kumar currently ticks all three boxes based on recent performances.
Selectors would do well to separate emotional bias against veterans from an honest evaluation of what actually wins matches in unfamiliar conditions.
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