Bhuvneshwar Kumar
NEW DELHI: Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes Bhuvneshwar Kumar ’s return to international cricket could open the door for a remarkable comeback to India’s ODI squad and potentially take the veteran pacer to next year’s 50-over World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Bhuvneshwar, who returned to India colours after nearly four years when he was picked for the upcoming five-match T20I series in New Zealand, last played an ODI against South Africa at Paarl in 2022. Ashwin feels the selectors will be watching Bhuvneshwar closely in New Zealand and that a successful series could immediately put him in contention for the ODI side ahead of the World Cup.
“I am once again putting my neck on the line to say this: if he had worked a little harder, if the timing had been right and if he had avoided those injuries, with the skill set he possesses, he could have been a king for India across all formats,” he said. he stressed that fitness could be crucial if the pacer is to extend his international career and push for a place at the World Cup While Ashwin remains bullish about Bhuvneshwar’s skill set.
The selectors will be watching very closely,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel. “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, with Bhuvneshwar bowling the first ball of the World Cup,” said Ashwin. “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.