Bhuvneshwar Kumar's T20I return raises questions about 2027 ODI World Cup prospects

Bhuvneshwar Kumar is back in India's T20I squad after four years away from international cricket. The veteran pacer was picked for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand beginning October 22 and is expected to lead the attack in Jasprit Bumrah's absence. He delivered a strong performance in the IPL for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, taking 45 wickets across the last two editions.

Ravichandran Ashwin predicted that if Bhuvneshwar does well, selectors will immediately consider him for the ODI team. Ajinkya Rahane said selectors must have talked about the World Cup when bringing him back. However, former selector Saba Karim believes the selectors are looking at him only for T20 internationals, not for one-day cricket.

Bhuvneshwar last played an ODI for India in January 2022. His last List-A match for Uttar Pradesh came in December 2023. If he harbours dreams of playing the 50-over format, he must play the Vijay Hazare Trophy later this year to prove his body can handle bowling 10 overs in a match.