📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ipl
Sports
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s IPL Heroics Earn Him India Recall After Four-Year Hiatus
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 25 Oct 2026, 06:48 AM
👁 16
After a four‑year absence from international cricket, fast‑bowling all‑rounder Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been recalled to the Indian squad, citing his consistent performances in the IPL as the key factor.
India’s national selectors announced the recall of fast‑bowling all‑rounder Bhuvneshwar Kumar to the Test squad after a four‑year hiatus. The decision comes ahead of the upcoming series against England, where India will look to bolster its pace attack.
Kumar’s resurgence is largely attributed to his standout performances in the 2024 Indian Premier League. Representing the Rajasthan Royals, he took 22 wickets at an economy rate of 6.3, finishing as one of the tournament’s leading wicket‑takers. His ability to swing the ball in the middle overs and finish innings with crucial breakthroughs impressed the selectors.
Speaking to reporters, Kumar said, “The IPL has given me a platform to showcase my skills against top international talent. The consistency I’ve achieved here has restored my confidence and proved I still have a place in India’s bowling lineup.”
The return of a seasoned pacer like Kumar is seen as a strategic move to strengthen India’s bowling depth, especially with the upcoming Test series demanding a robust pace attack. His experience and recent form are expected to add a new dimension to the team’s bowling strategy.
Kumar’s resurgence is largely attributed to his standout performances in the 2024 Indian Premier League. Representing the Rajasthan Royals, he took 22 wickets at an economy rate of 6.3, finishing as one of the tournament’s leading wicket‑takers. His ability to swing the ball in the middle overs and finish innings with crucial breakthroughs impressed the selectors.
Speaking to reporters, Kumar said, “The IPL has given me a platform to showcase my skills against top international talent. The consistency I’ve achieved here has restored my confidence and proved I still have a place in India’s bowling lineup.”
The return of a seasoned pacer like Kumar is seen as a strategic move to strengthen India’s bowling depth, especially with the upcoming Test series demanding a robust pace attack. His experience and recent form are expected to add a new dimension to the team’s bowling strategy.