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Bhuvneshwar Kumar has refused to predict whether he will be part of India's squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup and said that his immediate focus remains on playing cricket. The veteran pacer was asked about his chances of making the Indian team for the showpiece event and chose to leave the selection question to the future.
The 36-year-old made the comments in Lucknow while speaking about the Uttar Pradesh T20 League, with his international career having remained inactive for several years despite his continued involvement in domestic and franchise cricket.
“My job is to play”: Bhuvneshwar Kumar on the 2027 World Cup selection hopes
Bhuvneshwar Kumar's response was notably measured when he was asked about his prospects of making India's 2027 World Cup squad. Rather than publicly campaigning for a comeback or ruling himself out, he made it clear that his responsibility is to continue performing.
“My job is to play, and I am playing. I cannot predict what will happen next,” he said, as quoted by IANS.
The statement does not necessarily mean Bhuvneshwar is targeting a return to the Indian team. At the same time, he has not closed the door on the possibility either. For now, the pacer appears focused on remaining active and leaving any future selection decision to the selectors.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar last played for India in 2022 and has since built the next phase of his career around domestic and franchise cricket. His recent IPL numbers, however, have given selectors something current to assess rather than relying solely on his past reputation.
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Bhuvneshwar Kumar's recent form keeps the India question alive
The strongest argument in the veteran pacer's favour is his recent IPL performance. After joining Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he delivered a much-improved performance in IPL 2025 before producing an even stronger season in 2026.
Bhuvneshwar picked up 17 wickets in 14 matches in IPL 2025, maintaining an economy rate of 9.29. He then stepped up significantly in IPL 2026, claiming 28 wickets in 16 matches at an impressive average of 17.89 and an economy rate of 7.95. His best figures were 4/23.
Those numbers were particularly notable given the role he played for RCB. He was not merely being used as an experienced squad member; he remained a regular bowling option and delivered wickets across the tournament. His 28 wickets also put him among the leading wicket-takers of IPL 2026.
His recent workload therefore gives the selectors something tangible to evaluate. He is not asking to be picked purely because of his reputation. If he continues to perform, the discussion around his international prospects can remain open.
Why Bhuvneshwar Kumar's 2027 World Cup route will not be straightforward
However, making India's 2027 World Cup squad will be a difficult challenge. India already have a deep pool of pace-bowling options, with Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana and Gurnoor Brar among the established or recently used options.
The selectors have also continued to look at younger fast bowlers. Prince Yadav, Yash Thakur, Ashok Sharma and Mayank Yadav have featured in India's wider white-ball plans, while Gurnoor has recently been fast-tracked into the ODI setup. India's 2026 ODI squads show the breadth of options available to the selectors.
That makes Bhuvneshwar's experience an advantage, but not a guarantee. His ability to move the new ball, experience and extensive white-ball record remain valuable, but age, fitness, workload and his long absence from international cricket will all be factors.
The biggest question is also whether the selectors want to build towards the 2027 World Cup with established veterans or continue investing heavily in younger options.
What Bhuvneshwar Kumar said about UP T20 League
Bhuvneshwar Kumar was also asked about the Uttar Pradesh T20 League, which is another competition where he continues to contribute to domestic cricket.
“The tournament has not started yet; practice sessions are underway. There will be strategies and planning, but what is most important is the mindset with which you step onto the ground for the match,” Bhuvneshwar said.
He also highlighted the progress of the competition since its inception, saying, “This is the fourth year, and as you can see, there has been some improvement every year, whether in the players’ abilities or in the facilities provided by UPCA and the way they are being organised.”
Does Bhuvneshwar Kumar have a realistic chance of making India's 2027 World Cup squad?
It is too early to call Bhuvneshwar a serious 2027 World Cup contender, but it would equally be premature to completely rule him out.
The case in his favour is obvious. He has enormous experience, knows how to swing the new ball, has a proven record in white-ball cricket and has shown that he can still perform at a high level in the IPL.
But the obstacles are equally significant. Bhuvneshwar Kumar is 36, has not played international cricket since 2022 and has not been a regular in 50-over domestic cricket. Former India batter Aakash Chopra recently pointed to the lack of regular Ranji Trophy and 50-over cricket as a concern for his comeback prospects.
Ultimately, his selection will come down to form, fitness, role and India's requirements closer to the tournament. For now, Bhuvneshwar Kumar appears content to leave the 2027 World Cup question to the selectors.
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