Ashwin Advocates for Bhuvneshwar Kumar's Inclusion in 2027 ODI World Cup Squad
Ravichandran ashwin, a celebrated former spinner and member of india's victorious 2011 icc men's odi world cup team, has expressed his strong desire for bhuvnes
Ravichandran Ashwin, a celebrated former spinner and member of India's victorious 2011 ICC Men's ODI World Cup team, has expressed his strong desire for Bhuvneshwar Kumar to be included in the national squad for the upcoming 2027 ODI World Cup. Ashwin, who transitioned into a cricket analyst after his retirement from international cricket in December 2024, emphasizes the importance of Bhuvneshwar's extensive experience as a vital asset for the Indian team in the prestigious tournament. He believes that the seasoned pacer’s skills and knowledge would be crucial for India’s success in the competition scheduled to take place in South Africa. In a recent video shared by Cricinfo, Ashwin stated, "Bhuvneshwar Kumar is a yes. I would communicate to him, get him to play all the tournaments – first-class cricket, the Vijay Hazare Trophy, everything. And get him primed going to South Africa. I think we would need him there." This endorsement from Ashwin highlights the significance of veteran players in high-stakes matches, especially in a World Cup setting.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who made his ODI debut against Pakistan in January 2013, has accumulated a wealth of experience over his career, having played 121 ODIs and taken 141 wickets. Despite his impressive statistics, he has not donned the Indian jersey in the 50-over format since January 21, 2022. His absence from the national team has raised eyebrows, particularly given his previous participation in the 2015 and 2019 ODI World Cups, where he has faced challenges, managing only two wickets in the eight ODIs he played in South Africa. Nevertheless, Bhuvneshwar remains an active participant in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he showcased his talent by playing for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) during the 2026 season. His performance was remarkable, as he took 28 wickets in 16 matches, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker of the tournament and playing a pivotal role in RCB's successful title defense.
