Fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar has spoken about his absence from India's squad for the upcoming tours of Ireland and England. Despite his strong performances in the IPL over the last few seasons, Bhuvneshwar has taken a balanced approach to the repeated snubs and said he remains focused on his cricket.
India, led by Shreyas Iyer, will begin the tour with a two-match T20I series against Ireland in Belfast. The first match will be played at the Civil Service Cricket Club on June 26, followed by the second game at the same venue on June 28. India will then travel to England for a five-match T20I series starting on July 1.
It's My Nature That I Don't Want to Show That I Want to Play - Bhuvneshwar Kumar on India Recall
Speaking to the Indian Express, Bhuvneshwar Kumar addressed the discussion around his absence from the Indian team. The experienced fast bowler said that he prefers to focus on his performances rather than publicly pushing for a place in the national side.
"It's my nature that I don't want to show that I want to play. I think everyone is doing their job. Selectors are doing their job. I'm doing my job. It's their responsibility to select. If they think I'm good enough, they will do their job."
Bhuvneshwar finished as the second-highest wicket-taker in IPL 2026, claiming 28 wickets in 16 matches at an average of 17.89 and an economy rate of 7.95. He also made a key contribution in the final, returning figures of 2/29 from his four overs.
I Think It's a Big Thing to Play for India - Bhuvneshwar Kumar on His International Future
Bhuvneshwar Kumar said that representing India is one of the biggest achievements in a cricketer's career. The veteran fast bowler admitted that he would love to play for India again but is also grateful for everything he has already achieved at the international level.
"I have played, I have done what I had to do. If I hadn't played, I would have been dying to be asked to play a match. I think it's a big thing to play for India, I won't say it's a small thing, I'm one of the lucky ones that I have played."
Bhuvneshwar has enjoyed a successful international career, especially in the T20I format. He has taken 90 wickets in 86 T20I innings at an economy rate of 6.96. However, the 36-year-old has not played for India since the T20I against New Zealand in Napier in November 2022.
Bowling Is Not That Simple, You Have to Work Hard for It - Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Bhuvneshwar Kumar believes success in cricket comes from hard work rather than a single piece of advice. The veteran fast bowler said that no particular suggestion changed his career, adding that consistent effort and dedication have been the key factors behind his longevity and success.
"No, sir, till date, I haven't received any advice that has changed my life. There is not a single advice that has drastically changed my bowling, that has changed my life. Bowling is not that simple, you have to work hard for it."
The pacer continues to follow a strict fitness routine with the support of a trainer, physiotherapist, and dietitian. His disciplined approach has helped him remain effective in both domestic cricket and the IPL.
