Bhuvneshwar, who last featured in an ODI against South Africa in Paarl in 2022, is making his return to the Indian setup after a four-year hiatus. Ashwin, speaking on his YouTube channel, emphasized that national selectors will be monitoring the 36-year-old’s performance closely during the New Zealand tour, noting that a successful campaign could immediately trigger calls for his inclusion in the ODI squad.
A Potential Partnership with Jasprit Bumrah
Ashwin expressed high confidence in the pairing of Bhuvneshwar and Jasprit Bumrah, suggesting that their combined experience and skill sets would be invaluable in overseas conditions. The former spinner highlighted Bhuvneshwar’s unique ability to swing the ball both ways as a primary asset that remains highly relevant for international cricket.
According to Ashwin, if the pacer maintains his fitness and continues to demonstrate his trademark swing, there is no reason why he should not be on the flight to the World Cup. He noted that Bhuvneshwar’s capacity to move the ball, combined with his decent pace, makes him a versatile option for the team. Throughout his career, the seamer has claimed 141 wickets in 121 ODIs, alongside 90 wickets in 87 T20Is and 21 Test appearances.
Fitness and Future Prospects
While praising his technical prowess, Ashwin acknowledged that fitness remains the critical factor for Bhuvneshwar’s longevity. He remarked that had the bowler avoided previous injury setbacks, he could have established himself as a dominant force across all three formats. Nevertheless, his recent form in the Indian Premier League has bolstered his case for a return, having secured 17 wickets in 2025 and 28 wickets in 2026 while helping Royal Challengers Bengaluru to consecutive titles.
Beyond his individual contribution, Bhuvneshwar’s presence offers a wealth of experience to the Indian bowling unit. His return provides a seasoned mentor for younger fast bowlers like Mayank Yadav and Prince Yadav. The upcoming T20I series against New Zealand serves as the immediate proving ground for the veteran, with the tour set to transition into ODI and Test matches, providing a clear window for him to demonstrate his readiness for a sustained international comeback.
