JuicyTalk
Bhuvneshwar Kumar‘s return to the Indian team has sparked plenty of discussion about whether the veteran pacer can make a comeback to the ODI setup as well. The 36-year-old has been recalled to India’s T20I squad for the upcoming five-match series against New Zealand, beginning October 22, after a four-year absence from international cricket. His impressive IPL 2026 campaign with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he picked up 28 wickets at an economy rate of 7.95, played a major role in earning the recall. With the 2027 ODI World Cup set to be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, Bhuvneshwar now has an opportunity to put himself back into the selectors’ plans.
Umesh Yadav explains how Bhuvneshwar can confirm his place for ODI World Cup 2027
Former India pacer Umesh Yadav believes Bhuvneshwar deserves serious consideration for the 2027 ODI World Cup, particularly because of his recent performances and the conditions expected at the tournament.
Speaking to SportsNext, Umesh pointed towards Bhuvneshwar’s consistent performances in the IPL and explained why his bowling could be particularly effective in South Africa. The veteran pacer has traditionally been known for his ability to move the ball in the air and extract assistance from helpful surfaces.
“I feel that, considering the way Bhuvneshwar Kumar has performed, he should have a place because he has also done very well in the IPL. In whatever season he has played, he has performed quite well. And on the wickets in South Africa, there is no doubt that you get both bounce and swing there, so I feel he is a better option,” Umesh said.
Bhuvneshwar’s performance in New Zealand could therefore become crucial. A strong comeback, coupled with his ability to swing the ball and maintain his fitness, would strengthen his case for a place in India’s ODI plans.
Umesh picks India’s bowling attack for the mega event
Umesh also revealed the pace attack he would prefer for India’s campaign at the 2027 ODI World Cup. Interestingly, he included Bhuvneshwar alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, while also naming Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep Singh as strong contenders.
“Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah. I think Mohammed Siraj is one, and Prasidh Krishna, because the wickets will be bouncy, so Prasidh Krishna’s bounce and pace will be very useful for us on those bouncy wickets,” Umesh added.
He also highlighted the importance of having a left-arm pacer in India’s squad and backed Arshdeep’s experience as a major advantage.
“I also feel that having a left-arm fast bowler in the team would be better because Arshdeep Singh has been continuously travelling with the team for so many years. He has been there on every tour and at every major tournament, so he has that experience of swinging the ball. So, he also has a chance of making the squad,” the former pacer concluded.
