Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has backed Bhuvneshwar Kumar to make a comeback into the ODI team after his return to T20I format. Kumar has been added to India’s T20I squad for the series against New Zealand and Ashwin reckons the veteran seamer can comeback into the ODI squad if he performs well in the T20I series.
Kumar bagged 28 wickets in 16 matches of IPL 2026 and had played an instrumental role in taking Royal Challengers Bengaluru to glory. The swing master has performed consistently in the recent past and also scalped 14 wickets in 11 matches while leading Lucknow Falcons in UP T20 League 2026.
Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube Channel, “If Bhuvneshwar Kumar comes on this tour, swings the new ball a little, takes wickets and puts in a good performance, I don’t see any reason why he cannot make a comeback to the ODI setup as well. I don’t see anyone stopping Bhuvneshwar Kumar from coming back into the ODI setup because what do you actually need in the ODI setup?
Ashwin said India would need a fast bowler who can also contribute with the bat while batting at number nine and reckons Bhuvneshwar can perform that role.
“Actually, you have been giving Harshit Rana opportunities to bat at No. 8, but alongside Jasprit Bumrah, you need another fast bowler who can also bat at No. 9. So, if Bhuvneshwar Kumar can put in the performance and, physically, it is evident to everyone that he is fit, I don’t see any reason why he couldn’t go all the way,” he added.
Ashwin highlighted that India’s bowling attack looked vulnerable without the services of Jasprit Bumrah in the ODI series against the West Indies and the selectors are now looking at backing experienced players.
“Without Bumrah, we also saw in the ODI series that the attack can be a little susceptible. So perhaps that is why they are now looking towards experience. The fact that they have gone to Bhuvneshwar Kumar and have not gone to Mohammed Shami so far, I wouldn’t say the door is shut on Shami either.”
Ashwin expressed his delight after Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to the T20I squad.
“But I’m very happy for Bhuvneshwar Kumar. He has broken the door down to get back into the team. He bowled really well in two consecutive IPL seasons. In the last IPL, he took 28 wickets in 16 games. That is just incredible. He made the ball do the talking.”
Kumar would look to be at his best against the Kiwis.
