Ex-India cricketer discusses the challenges Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami face in returning to the Ranji Trophy.

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has expressed concerns regarding Bhuvneshwar Kumar's chances of making the squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup, citing his limited participation in both 50-over and first-class cricket. While acknowledging Kumar's impressive performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Chopra emphasized that the demands of a World Cup require a more consistent and rigorous playing schedule than what T20 cricket can provide.

In a recent discussion on his YouTube channel, Chopra was prompted to evaluate the World Cup prospects of both Bhuvneshwar Kumar and fellow fast bowler Mohammad Shami. He remarked, "One thing goes against Bhuvi. I love him to bits, and I want him to play for India again, but when you don't play Ranji, your workload becomes limited." He pointed out that the limited number of matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy does not adequately prepare a player for the extensive demands of ODI cricket, where bowlers must deliver ten overs and remain active in the field for the entirety of the match.

Bhuvneshwar has not participated in a first-class match since January 2024 and last played a List A game in December 2023. Despite this, he has been a pivotal player for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, contributing significantly to their consecutive IPL title victories. However, Chopra cautioned against selecting players solely based on their IPL performances, stating, "It's not easy in a tournament like the World Cup where you have to keep playing continuously." He urged that if Bhuvneshwar is to be considered for the World Cup, he must be integrated back into the ODI setup without delay.

Chopra compared Bhuvneshwar's situation with that of Mohammad Shami, who has maintained a more active presence in red-ball cricket, including a successful Ranji Trophy campaign where he took 37 wickets. Shami is also slated to participate in the upcoming Duleep Trophy, giving him an edge in terms of match fitness and experience. Chopra noted, "Shami has a slightly better case to make, but the truth is that if we do man-to-man marking in the IPL, Bhuvneshwar Kumar is ahead of him in that respect."

Looking ahead, Chopra believes that the forthcoming ODI series against New Zealand will be crucial in determining the selectors' plans. He speculated that it is unlikely both bowlers will be included in the squad, suggesting that the next few months will clarify who, if either, will be part of the team. "By New Zealand, we will have an answer as to which of them is going to come or if no one is going to come," he concluded.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has taken 141 wickets in 120 ODI innings, boasting an economy rate of 5.08, but has not played for India in this format since January 2022. In contrast, Shami has claimed 206 wickets in 107 ODIs with an economy of 5.58, last representing India during the previous year's Champions Trophy.