Bhuvneshwar Kumar recall signals shift in selection thinking

Bhuvneshwar Kumar is back in India's white-ball setup after four years away. The 36-year-old took 28 wickets in 16 IPL matches for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2026, and the selectors clearly valued that proven record over the youth push that shaped the last panel.

Wasim Jaffer said Bhuvneshwar deserved the call-up and asked why age had worked against him. Jaffer also backed Mohammed Shami for a Test recall, arguing the door shouldn't shut on the Bengal pacer.

Ravichandran Ashwin thinks strong performances in New Zealand could still put Bhuvneshwar in the frame for the 2027 ODI World Cup alongside Jasprit Bumrah.