Even before the IPL 2026 playoffs had begun, there had been calls from several quarters, fans and experts alike, for Bhuvneshwar Kumar to be recalled to India’s T20I team.
The veteran Indian pacer has produced a stellar campaign this year, improving significantly from an already impressive IPL 2025 campaign, when he took 17 wickets in RCB’s maiden title-winning season.
In IPL 2026, while Bhuvneshwar missed out on the Purple Cap with only one wicket, he was arguably the best bowler of the season and produced a bigger impact than the leading wicket-taker, Kagiso Rabada.
Bhuvneshwar, 36, finished IPL 2026 with 28 wickets (Rabada had 29) and had an outstanding economy of 7.95, substantially better than Rabada’s economy of 9.68. In fact, in the top 10 wicket-takers this season, only Bhuvneshwar and Jason Holder had an economy under 8, which is remarkable given the high-scoring nature of the tournament.
Should BCCI Recall Bhuvneshwar Kumar In T20I Team? Virender Sehwag Gives His Opinion
Former India batsman Virender Sehwag is of the strong belief that Bhuvneshwar should be recalled to India’s T20I team on the back of his terrific IPL 2026 show.
Sehwag opined that Bhuvneshwar’s age (36) shouldn’t be a negative factor, as he has put in solid performances in the most recent IPL. The commentator reckons Bhuvneshwar should be given an opportunity for at least the next 10 T20Is and be judged on that basis, with the next T20 World Cup slated for 2028.
Speaking with Cricbuzz, Sehwag said, “My take is that, if you are picking Bhuvi for the Indian team, then you will be setting an example that even if you are out of the side, you will get a chance to make a comeback irrespective of your age, if the performances are there. There is nothing bad in that. I am not saying that he should play the next World Cup, but at least play him in the next 10 T20Is, and if he performs, then keep him, otherwise, drop him.”
Sehwag assertively argued that an out-of-form young bowler shouldn’t be selected over an experienced player who is picking wickets simply for the sake of looking for the future.
“I ask who is a better pick: An experienced pacer of 36 years of age, or a 22-25 year old bowler who is not taking wickets and leaking runs? Just because the youngster is the future?
The performance barometer is the same for all. When you are playing for the Indian team, then age doesn’t matter; what matters is your performance. So, nothing wrong in setting an example [with Bhuvneshwar]. And our BCCI chief selector is also a fast bowler (Ajit Agarkar),” Sehwag added.
When was the last time Bhuvneshwar Kumar played for India?
Bhuvneshwar’s last T20I for India was in November 2022, while his last ODI match happened in January 2022. Bhuvneshwar hasn’t played a Test match since 2018.
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