Virat Kohli, Bhuvneshwar Kumar [Source: AFP]Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has made a strong comeback in Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) with his impressive bowling performances. In a competition where batters usually dominate with big scores, powerful sixes, and quick centuries, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has gained attention with his smart swing bowling and excellent control.RCB’s Strong Season Powered By Bhuvneshwar’s BowlingNotably, in 12 matches, Bhuvneshwar has picked up 22 wickets with an average of 16.13 and an economy rate of 7.55. His best bowling figures this season are 4 wickets for 23 runs. Moreover, his consistent performances have played a major role RCB’s successful campaign. At present, RCB are leading the IPL points table with eight wins and four defeats, collecting 16 points. The team recently secured back-to-back victories against Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders after a short dip in form.CSK Legend Picks Bhuvneshwar In India’s Alternate T20I SquadAs a result, many cricket experts and former players have supported the idea of bringing Bhuvneshwar back into India’s T20 team. Among them is former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star Ambati Rayudu, who recently shared his alternative Indian T20 squad during a discussion with ESPN.Notably, Ambati Rayudu selected Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer as the captain of the side, while KL Rahul was chosen as the vice-captain. In the opening combination, he included RR young talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi along with KL Rahul. At number three, he picked Devdutt Padikkal, who has also performed well during the current IPL season.Watch the video here: ESPNcricinfo @ESPNcricinfo Ambati Rayudu picks his alternate India T20I squad 👀 May 14, 2026, 12:53 PM Also Read: Bhuvneshwar Kumar's India Comeback: Does RCB Ace Stake A Claim For 2027 World Cup?Young IPL Stars Also Earn Spots In Ambati Rayudu’s TeamInterestingly, Rayudu selected four players from RCB in his squad. In the all-rounder department, he picked Krunal Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy. Meanwhile, Bhuvneshwar Kumar was given the responsibility of leading the pace attack due to his outstanding form this season.It is important to note that Bhuvneshwar last represented India in 2022 during a T20I match against New Zealand in Napier. This happened shortly after India’s defeat against England in the T20 World Cup semi-final in Australia. Following that tournament, the BCCI focused more on young fast bowlers and started building a new team for the future. Since then, Bhuvneshwar has not returned to the national side.Bhuvneshwar On Possible India ComebackHowever, the experienced pacer recently shared his thoughts on a possible India comeback. During a conversation with the RCB franchise, Bhuvneshwar made it clear that a return to the Indian team is currently not on his mind.“I am not thinking about India’s comeback. It has been many years since I stopped keeping or making long-term goals, because whenever I did that, it never worked for me," Bhuvneshwar Kumar stated in a video posted by RCB.Notably, Rayudu also included Mohsin Khan, Anshul Kamboj, and Yuzvendra Chahal in his bowling attack.India’s Alternative T20 Squad Picked By Ambati Rayudu:Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Shreyas Iyer, Krunal Pandya, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Anshul Kamboj, Mohsin Khan, Yuzvendra ChahalReserves: Sai Sudharsan, Dhruv Jurel, Shivang Kumar, Prince YadavAlso Read: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Ruled Out Of India Squad Vs Ireland? BCCI Casts Doubt On T20I Debut
