R Ashwin Picks Bhuvneshwar Kumar Over Shami for 2027 ODI WC
Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has encouraged the BCCI selectors to consider reintroducing Bhuvneshwar Kumar to India’s ODI squad ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. He believes the team’s current speed attack lacks experience and that Bhuvneshwar still has a lot to offer.
Bhuvneshwar has returned to the spotlight because he performed amazing back-to-back seasons in the IPL for RCB, helping the side win consecutive trophies and breaking the generational curse.
As a result, before of the 2027 ODI World Cup, former legend Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed support for Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s probable comeback. He stated that, despite his age, the bowler has much to contribute in international cricket.
Not only that, but Ashwin chose Bhuvneshwar over Mohammed Shami, the 2023 ODI World Cup hero. Bhuvneshwar has maintained his fitness for the past two IPL seasons.
Why not? There is currently some struggle in our fast bowling stocks. Bhuvneshwar Kumar is someone who I believe is worth consideration. Why are you unable to consider him? There is only one difference between Shami and Bhuvneshwar. Bhuvi has been able to put himself on the pitch for RCB for two seasons in a row and has maintained his fitness’, Ashwin stated on YouTube.
He has consistently been available for selection, unlike Shami, who has been sidelined by injuries since 2023.
“Both teams RCB won the title, and he was one of the top three reasons for that. He appears fit enough. I’m not suggesting take him right away, but give him a chance and then make your decision. He can swing the ball, give you overs in the end, and bat as well. “He has great batting ability,” he continued.
Ashwin believes time is running out for India.
Having said that, Ashwin clarified that he is not asking selectors to immediately include Bhuvneshwar in the World Cup squad. Instead, he requests that the selectors include him in further negotiations.
You can consider him only because of the bowling attack’s inexperience. Gurnoor, Prasidh, and Prince, is this the bowling you want to play in the World Cup? I’m not too sure. You can take one or two of them. Apart from that, you’ve got Harshit and Bumrah. So, with Bhuvneshwar, experience and youth would combine wonderfully.”
He wants Kumar to earn opportunities in ODI cricket to determine if he is still capable of performing at the highest level. With less than a year until the tournament, Ashwin believes it is no longer necessary to develop young players like Gurnoor Brar and Prince Yadav.
With only 12 months remaining, now is not the time to develop players. It is critical to find four or five pacers, three of whom will be selected for the World Cup. That is why you should include Bhuvneshwar Kumar in conversations as well.”
When was Bhuvneshwar’s last game for India?
Interestingly, Bhuvneshwar Kumar lost his place in the Indian cricket team in 2022 after his final ODI appearance in January 2022. However, he has continued to struggle in domestic cricket ever since.
He continuously represents Uttar Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy. Not only that, but in IPL 2025, he took 17 wickets to assist RCB win their first title.
Furthermore, in IPL 2026, Kumar took 28 wickets, becoming RCB’s leading wicket-taker of the season, and his performance once again helped the franchise retain the title.
