Rajeev Shukla to facilitate Bhuvneshwar Kumar's India comeback on UP quota? Pacer drops bombshell

Veteran Team India pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has expressed his frustration over his non-selection in the national cricket team. Kumar stated that consistent performance does not always guarantee opportunities at the national level and added that only the selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, could answer that.

Bhuvneshwar is Team India’s fourth-highest wicket-taker in T20 Internationals. The right-arm pacer has secured 90 wickets in 87 matches at an average of 23.10 and a strike rate of 6.96, including two five-wicket hauls and three four-wicket hauls. He has not represented India in a T20I since November 2022.

Only the Selectors Can Answer That - Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Bhuvneshwar Kumar was asked about a potential comeback to the Indian cricket team. Kumar stated that only the selectors could answer that. The 35-year-old pacer emphasized his focus on performing at his best on the field and pledged to continue giving his all in domestic competitions.

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“Aapko iska uttar chayanakarta denge (Only the selectors can answer that),” Bhuvneshwar said, as quoted by Dainik Jagran.

“My job is to give 100 percent on the field, and I’m doing that. If I get a chance to play for Uttar Pradesh in the Mushtaq Ali, Ranji, or One-Day formats after the UP league, I will give my best there too.”

With Rajeev Shukla as President, It Will Be Difficult - Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Bhuvneshwar Kumar said that discipline, fitness, and maintaining good line and length are important for a bowler. He added that consistent performances cannot be ignored for long. Kumar also noted that with Rajeev Shukla as president, it would be difficult for genuine talent to go unnoticed.

“As a disciplined bowler, my focus remains on fitness and line-length. No matter how well you perform, sometimes luck doesn’t favour you,” he added.

“Your performance is paramount. If someone plays good cricket consistently, they cannot be ignored for long. Even if you’re not selected, focus on giving your 100 percent. The rest is up to the selectors,” he said. “Yes, with Rajeev Shukla as president, it will be difficult to overlook talent.”

Bhuvneshwar Kumar Instrumental in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2025 Title Victory

Bhuvneshwar Kumar took just four wickets in six matches at a decent economy rate of 6.16 during the 2022 T20 World Cup campaign in Australia. Kumar struggled to pose a serious threat with the ball, ending his last T20I for India with figures of 0-35 against New Zealand in Napier.

Bhuvneshwar played a pivotal role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2025 victory, securing 17 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 28.41 and an economy rate of 9.28, including a 2-38 performance in the final against Punjab Kings (PBKS).

Overall, he is the second-highest wicket-taker in IPL history with 198 wickets in 190 matches, trailing only Yuzvendra Chahal. He is currently leading the Lucknow Falcons in the UP T20 League.

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