No Bhuvneshwar Kumar In India Squad: Why BCCI Selectors Could Continue To Ignore RCB Ace

Bhuvneshwar played an international match back in 2022 [Source: @parasVK/X]

Veteran fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been impressive in the ongoing UP T20 league. Regarded as one of India's finest swing bowlers, Bhuvneshwar has bagged eleven wickets in nine matches at a strike rate of 17 and a superb economy of 6.76. 

Amid his bowling exploits in the domestic league, Bhuvneshwar Kumar was asked about his retirement plans. However, the 35-year-old clarified that he would keep playing for a few more seasons, hoping for a comeback into the Indian white-ball team. 

In fact, Bhuvneshwar stated that he would give his all for a potential return, with the chances of his comeback lying in the selectors' hands. Considering Bhuvneshwar's fragile fitness, the best he can do is make a comeback to the Indian T20I and ODI setup. 

But there are several reasons why Bhuvneshwar's international comeback may remain a distant dream, as explained below. 

Why India Might Not Recall Bhuvneshwar Into ODIs And T20Is

Arshdeep Singh Has Established Himself As Primary Swing Bowler In T20Is

(Arshdeep and Bhuvneshwar's comparison in T20Is)

• Bhuvneshwar Kumar generally operates in the power play, as he can swing the new ball up front. However, soon after he got sidelined, Arshdeep Singh became Jasprit Bumrah's regular bowling partner in the T20 Internationals. 
• Being a left-arm pacer, Arshdeep complements Bumrah's right-arm pace and brings variety to the Indian bowling unit. He has been an upgrade over Bhuvneshwar, scalping 99 wickets in just 63 matches at a healthy strike rate of 13.2 and an economy rate of 8.30. 
• Arshdeep was one of India's most valuable asset in last year's T20 World Cup, scalping the most wickets for them and leading them to a historic triumph. Therefore, with Bumrah and Hardik Pandya likely to play as the other two seamers, India are unlikely to recall Bhuvneshwar into their T20I setup. 

Mohammed Siraj Is Still A Force To Reckon With In ODIs

• While Arshdeep has established himself as Bumrah's deputy in India's T20I pace battery, Mohammed Siraj has done a fabulous job in a similar role in ODI cricket. 
• Apart from conventional swing, Siraj, unlike Bhuvneshwar, has a deceptive three-quarter delivery in his armour. He can also bowl at a greater speed, making him a more potent pacer in the middle and death overs. 
• So, with Bumrah and Siraj spearheading India's ODI bowling attack, the comeback of a 35-year-old Bhuvneshwar seems highly unlikely, especially keeping in mind the World Cup, which is still two years away. 

Modern-day cricket demands variety, not orthodoxy

• Gone are the days when genuine swing bowlers operating at medium pace used to succeed as white-ball bowlers. The modern-day game demands more pace and hit-the-deck bowling to thrive, as heavy bats and batting-friendly conditions have made it incredibly tough for medium-pacers to emerge as game-changers. 
• So, with Bumrah, Siraj, Hardik and Arshdeep leading the pack, India might want to ensure an X-factor in their white-ball lineup. The likes of Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna, being capable of troubling batters with sheer pace, therefore have a greater chance than Bhuvneshwar to get consistent opportunities going forward. 

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