Bhuvneshwar Kumar set to play under Shreyas Iyer's captaincy | PC- AFPSome cricketers literally have zero haters, and India's Bhuvneshwar Kumar is one of those rare players. On Tuesday, the veteran fast bowler was included in the Indian T20I squad for New Zealand, returning to the Indian fold after four years.As Bhuvneshwar prepares the fly to New Zealand, one of his former colleagues has already predicted he'll be on the plane to South Africa for the 2027 World Cup. Ashwin predicts 2027 WC berth for Bhuvneshwar KumarWhile discussing Bhuvneshwar Kumar's comeback, former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin not only congratulated him but also hinted that the pacer could be in the team management’s plans for the ODI setup if Bhuvi does well Down Under."He is going to New Zealand now. I am telling you, if he does well, everyone will immediately say, just take him for the ODI team as well. The selectors will be watching very closely," Ravi Ashwin stated on his YouTube Channel. ALSO READBhuvneshwar Kumar's India Comeback Directly Linked With Ajit Agarkar's Exit- ReportAshwin discussed the shortcomings of upcoming Indian fast bowlers. Furthermore, the retired cricketer opined that Bhuvneshwar would be a great pairing with Jasprit Bumrah for the 2027 World Cup, scheduled in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. "If he swings the ball and shows decent fitness, nobody can stop Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar from sitting together on that flight to the World Cup and Bhuvneshwar bowling the first ball of the World Cup," said Ashwin. "Look at how they are getting hit in this series against the West Indies. They need experience in the bowling department. Be careful. If you go to South Africa and bowl half-heartedly, they will absolutely roast you," the former ace off-spinner added. Is Bhuvneshwar Kumar worthy of a place in India's 2027 WC squad?Bhuvneshwar Kumar has played in two ODI World Cups for India, in 2015 and 2019, in seven matches, taking 11 wickets at an economy of 5.08. However, as he last played for India in 2022, he was out of contention for the 2023 ODI World Cup. Meanwhile, the veteran seamer has experience playing in South Africa and Zimbabwe, with 18 matches across formats. That said, Bhuvi’s ODI record in South Africa has been sub-par, picking just two wickets in eight outings. It would be interesting to see how he does in the five-match T20I vs New Zealand, and what future would hold for him after that. ALSO READHasan Nawaz Jumps 62 Spots After Asian Games Knock vs India: Updated ICC Rankings Of Pakistan Players
