Veteran fast bowler
Bhuvneshwar, who has not represented India since the T20I series in New Zealand in November 2022, has seen his name frequently linked to a national comeback due to his recent domestic form. He claimed 17 wickets during the 2025 IPL season and followed that with a stellar 2026 campaign, where he took 28 wickets at an average of 17.89, narrowly missing out on a third Purple Cap.
Accepting the end of an international chapter
Speaking on Jatin Sapru’s YouTube channel, the pacer admitted that while he would welcome the opportunity to play for his country again, it is no longer his primary motivation. He noted that he has moved past the phase of waiting for selection announcements, a process he found difficult initially but has since come to terms with.
Reflecting on his departure from the international setup, Bhuvneshwar revealed that he anticipated his time in the Indian squad was drawing to a close following the team's semifinal exit at the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia. After the defeat in Adelaide, he reached out to his wife, Nupur, to share his belief that he had played in his final World Cup.
Moving forward beyond the national team
The bowler explained that his experience in the game led him to understand the selectors' tendency to look toward the future following a tournament loss. He stated that he found the transition period challenging but received significant support from his family, which allowed him to find peace with the situation. He emphasized that he is not currently playing to prove his worth to selectors, but rather focusing on his performance in the IPL.
Although his recent form has reignited discussions about his place in the T20I setup, Bhuvneshwar remains grounded. His last international appearance remains the match in Napier in November 2022, and he continues to prioritize his current role with his franchise as he navigates the later stages of his professional career.
