R Ashwin Backs Bhuvneshwar Kumar Over Mohammed Shami For 2027 ODI World Cup

Ex-Legend Backs Bhuvneshwar Kumar for ODI World Cup [Source: AFP]

Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has urged the BCCI selectors to consider bringing Bhuvneshwar Kumar back into India's ODI setup ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. He believes the team's current pace attack lacks experience and feels Bhuvneshwar still has plenty to offer.

The reason Bhuvneshwar has fallen back into the conversation is that he delivered sensational back-to-back seasons in the IPL for RCB and the franchise won consecutive titles, thus breaking the generational curse.

Ashwin wants to see Bhuvneshwar Kumar back in India colours

Hence, ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup, former legend Ravichandran Ashwin has backed Bhuvneshwar Kumar for a potential comeback. He said that despite age, the pacer has plenty to offer in international cricket.

Not only that, Ashwin ranked Bhuvneshwar above Mohammed Shami, the 2023 ODI World Cup hero. He explained that Bhuvneshwar has stayed fit over the last two IPL seasons. 

"Why not? The way our fast bowling stocks are right now, there is some struggle there. I think it is worth considering Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Why can you not consider him? There is only one difference between Shami and Bhuvneshwar. Bhuvi has been able to put himself on the park for two seasons together for RCB and has been able to keep himself fit,” Ashwin said on YouTube.

He has consistently been available for selection, unlike Shami, who has battled injuries since 2023. 

“Both teams RCB won the title, and he was also among the top three reasons for that. He looks fit enough. I am not saying to take him straightaway, but at least give him a chance and then decide. He can swing the ball, give you overs at the death and bat a bit as well. He has a lot of batting ability," he added.

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Ashwin feels time is running out for India

Having said that, Ashwin clarified that he is not asking selectors to pick Bhuvneshwar straight into the World Cup squad. Instead, he wants the selectors to bring him back into discussions.

"Just because of the pure inexperience of the bowling attack, you can keep him in consideration. Gurnoor, Prasidh, and Prince - is that the bowling you want to play in a World Cup? I am not too sure. You can have one or two from these. Apart from that, you have Harshit and Bumrah. So with Bhuvneshwar, experience and youth will work well."

He wants to see Kumar get opportunities in ODI cricket to assess whether he is still capable of performing at the highest level. And with little over 12 months left for the tournament, Ashwin feels the time to groom young crops like Gurnoor Brar or Prince Yadav has passed.

"It is not the time to develop players now with 12 months to go.  It is important to identify who your four or five pacers are, out of which you will take three for the World Cup. That is why you must have someone like Bhuvneshwar Kumar in discussions as well."

When did Bhuvneshwar play his last game for India?

Interestingly, Bhuvneshwar Kumar lost his place in the Indian cricket team in 2022 as he last played an ODI game in January 2022. But since then, he has not stopped grinding in domestic cricket.

He consistently plays Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy for Uttar Pradesh. Not only that, in IPL 2025, he picked 17 wickets, which helped RCB win their maiden title.

Moreover, in IPL 2026, Kumar grabbed 28 wickets, becoming RCB’s leading wicket-taker of the season, and his performance again helped the franchise retain their title.

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