Nostalgia Says Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Numbers Scream South Africa!

Virat Kohli and Bhuvneshwar Kumar for RCB in IPL 2026 (Source: AFP)

In India, around 2012-13, a fast bowler from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar made his international debut, and it seemed that he had the answer to India's fast-bowling problems. He quickly made a name for himself with his ability to swing the ball both ways.

However, his international career later faced several problems. Injuries became a regular concern, while his pace also dropped. At the same time, India began developing a new generation of fast bowlers who offered better pace.

So, Bhuvi played his last match for India in the ODI format during the 2021-22 series vs South Africa.

But recently, the star player has been back in the limelight for his heroics in the IPL for RCB (2025 and 2026) and in franchise cricket, such as UPT20. Many former cricketers and analysts have also demanded his inclusion in the 2027 World Cup.

Also Read: Bhuvneshwar Kumar Makes Huge Claim About Virat Kohli And Ravi Shastri's Test Legacy

Why Did Bhuvneshwar Kumar's Inclusion In The 2027 World Cup Gain Limelight?

Bhuvneshwar Kumar's outstanding form in franchise cricket has made him a candidate for inclusion in India's plan for the 2027 World Cup.

Taking a look at his stats, in the ongoing UPT20 2026, he has taken 13 wickets in 10 innings at an economy rate of 5.88 and a strike rate of 15.00, playing for Lucknow Falcons. His best performance came in the Qualifier 1 against Meerut Mavericks with figures of 4/10 in 4 overs on September 3.

Before that, the stylish bowler took 28 wickets (16 innings) at an economy rate of 7.95 during the IPL 2026 season, helping RCB secure back-to-back titles.

In IPL 2025, he bagged 17 wickets in 14 innings at an economy rate of 9.29.

(Bhuvneshwar Kumar stats in IPL 2025 and IPL 2026)

With the form he has shown recently, he is knocking on the doors of the BCCI selectors for his inclusion in the 2027 ODI World Cup. However, every story has two sides, and there are several reasons why the selectors should not consider his selection for the 50-over tournament.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been here before, South Africa wasn't kind

Bhuvneshwar Kumar's Performance vs South Africa

Bhuvneshwar's overall ODI record against South Africa is not as strong as his reputation might suggest. He has played 16 ODIs against Proteas and, in those matches, has taken 15 wickets at an average of 57.53, with a strike rate of 53.27.

The most important factor, however, is his economy rate, which is 6.48. Looking at the number, it might still look low, but it becomes more significant when compared with his numbers against some other major opponents.

Against Australia, Bhuvneshwar has played 18 matches and has taken 23 wickets at an economy rate of 5.28. Facing Bangladesh, he has played seven matches and taken nine wickets at an economy rate of only 4.98.

(Bhuvneshwar Kumar's Economy Rate)

In other words, among these four opponents, South Africa has been the most expensive team for Bhuvneshwar.

Also Read: Ravichandran Ashwin Picks India's 2027 World Cup Squad, Shocking Exits Made

How Has Bhuvneshwar Kumar Performed In South Africa?

Bhuvneshwar's numbers become even more concerning when we look at his numbers in South Africa. He has played eight matches in the country, bowling 60 overs in total. He has taken only two wickets with an economy rate of 6.67

(Bhuvneshwar Kumar stats in South Africa in ODIs)

Bhuvneshwar Kumar Performance In ODI World Cups

It is important to mention that the ace pacer has played in two ODI World Cups for India.

•  2019 ICC World Cup
• 2015 ICC World Cup

At the 2015 World Cup, fitness problems derailed his campaign. He played only one match, against the UAE, and conceded 19 runs and took just one wicket.

Next, he featured in the 2019 ODI World Cup for India. Bhuvneshwar played six matches and took 10 wickets at an economy rate of 5.21.

But once again, injury affected his campaign. A hamstring problem forced him to miss matches during the tournament.

Age Factor (now 36 then 37)

• Age is another major factor working against Bhuvneshwar. He is currently 36 years old and will be 37 at the time of the 2027 World Cup.
• There is no rule saying a 37-year-old fast bowler cannot play international cricket, as we have often heard the saying that ‘Age Is Just A Number’. Experience can be extremely valuable, particularly in a World Cup.
• However, Bhuvneshwar's case is slightly different because his career has already been affected by recurring injuries and a decline in pace.

Conclusion

One fact the cannot be ignored is that Bhuvneshwar Kumar's recent comeback story is impressive. Also, the nostalgia around a small town boy becoming one of India's best ever overrides logic at times, the selectors should be mindful of the numbers and his ability. 

At 36, Bhuvneshwar has shown that he can still trouble batters; however, selecting a player for  a World Cup event that comes just once in 4 years, requires more than just recent form. In India, fans love a fairytale ending, but who knows, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, might have been going through his right now! 

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