Cricket

Ravichandran Ashwin credits Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s consistency for international return

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Oct 13, 2026, 18:52 IST

Ravichandran Ashwin has praised Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s focus on performance following his T20I recall, while also identifying South Africa as a major threat for the upcoming 2027 ODI World Cup.

Ravichandran Ashwin credits Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s consistency for international return

Ravichandran Ashwin has attributed Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to the Indian T20I squad to a steadfast commitment to his craft rather than a desperate pursuit of an international comeback. The veteran fast bowler earned his recall following a series of impressive displays for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League, marking his return to the national T20 setup after a four-year absence.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, the senior spinner noted that Bhuvneshwar’s success stems from his ability to block out external expectations and focus solely on his immediate responsibilities. According to Ashwin, the pacer’s mindset of prioritizing his role with the franchise allowed him to excel naturally, ultimately leading to his selection for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand.

Ashwin’s perspective on the pacer’s journey

Ashwin emphasized that Bhuvneshwar’s approach to his career has been defined by internal growth rather than external validation. He suggested that the bowler’s mantra for success has been to simply execute his skills with the new ball and fulfill his duties for his team. By focusing on his own journey and maintaining high standards of performance, the reward of an international call-up followed as a natural consequence of his consistency.

The veteran spinner observed that Bhuvneshwar did not appear to be actively chasing a return to the national side, which likely helped him maintain the clarity required to perform at a high level. This professional detachment from the selection process is viewed by Ashwin as a key factor in his recent resurgence.

World Cup outlook and South African threat

Looking toward the 2027 ODI World Cup, Ashwin expressed confidence in India’s prospects, citing the team’s depth in spin bowling, batting experience, and the potential impact of Jasprit Bumrah. He noted that if the pace spearhead is at his peak, India possesses the necessary resources to mount a significant challenge for the trophy.

However, Ashwin cautioned that the tournament hosts, South Africa, represent a formidable obstacle. He highlighted that the South African side has become a cohesive and dangerous unit, bolstered by their familiarity with home conditions and the experience gained through the SA20 league. Ashwin identified the Proteas as a primary contender, noting that their deep understanding of local pitches and current form makes them a force to be reckoned with on their own soil.