Bhuvneshwar Kumar Won’t Be Pushed To Play Test Cricket Before T20 World Cup: BCCI Source

Senior India bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar won’t be returning to Test cricket any soon, at least until the T20 World Cup, a top BCCI official stated.

With India losing the WTC final to New Zealand and now the upcoming Test series against hosts England in mind, Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to Test cricket seemed possible. However, it has been confirmed that the pacer won’t be sent to the UK for the Test series.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar hasn’t played in the longest format since January 2018 as he has been dealing with a series of injuries. He made his return to the white-ball formats earlier this year at home against England. But was not selected for the Test tour to the UK.

Now, a BCCI source has confirmed that the Uttar Pradesh seamer will be kept away from red-ball cricket till the T20 World Cup in October-November. He may return to the Test side for the South Africa tour after the World Cup given his form in first-class games and fitness.

“The board had a discussion with Bhuvneshwar. It has been decided that he won’t be pushed to play Test cricket before the T20 World Cup. He has to first play three-four First-Class games. He hasn’t played the longer format for over three years. There’s a chance of him breaking down if he suddenly resumes playing Test cricket,” a BCCI source told TOI.

I’m not prioritising white-ball over red-ball: Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Earlier in the month, Bhuvneshwar Kumar himself had made it clear that he continues to wish to play the five-day format again. There were rumors going around that the Sunrisers Hyderabad bowler had decided to play only limited-overs cricket.

However, the pacer banished all such claims stating that if he is given a call-up to the Test side, he would give his 100 percent.

“To be honest, I’m not prioritising white-ball over red-ball. If I am selected for red-ball cricket, I’ll definitely contribute. I’m not looking to prioritise one of the two. I’m just working normally, trying to prepare in a way that I’m ready for all formats. If I get a chance, I’d like to do well. I’m not looking ahead to what will happen in 18-20 months,” the 31-year-old pacer had said while in Sri Lanka.

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