Bhuvneshwar Kumar, once the poster boy of India’s swing bowling prowess, seemed to have lost his way in international cricket since the T20 World Cup 2022. The swing maestro’s absence from the Indian cricket team, even in the ongoing Cricket World Cup, has raised questions about his future. However, the 34-year-old pacer is now on the cusp of making a remarkable comeback, with the stage set for his return during the IND vs AUS T20 series.
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With just 7 months left for the next T20 World Cup, Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s resurgence couldn’t have come at a better time. The decision to rest the entire senior pace battery opens the door for his return, offering him one more opportunity to prove his mettle.
In his recent outing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Bhuvneshwar Kumar sent a resounding message to the cricketing world: he’s far from being done. With 16 wickets in seven matches, including a five-wicket haul against a star-studded Karnataka side, he showcased his class and experience. Now, he’s gearing up for a return to the international arena, providing India with a seasoned seam option.
According to a BCCI source, “The selectors are likely to rest all the senior bowlers. In such a scenario, we need an experienced seamer like Bhuvneshwar to lead the attack. He may be recalled.” This statement indicates the faith the selectors have in Bhuvneshwar’s abilities, especially in the absence of the senior bowling stalwarts.
Bhuvneshwar’s journey to this potential comeback has been marked by challenges. After a string of underwhelming performances, he was omitted from the Indian team, a decision that extended to the West Indies tour. The setback continued as he found himself excluded from the ODI setup and, ultimately, the Cricket World Cup. It was a testing period for the swing sensation, but his determination to make a comeback remained unshaken.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar swings us back in time 😍 with this special delivery 🫶
Keep watching the quarterfinals action from the #SyedMushtagAliT20 LIVE on #JioCinema & #Sports18 🙌 #SMAT #SMATonJioCinema #SMATonSports18 #JioCinemaSports pic.twitter.com/u6o73aFxnp
— Sports18 (@Sports18) November 2, 2023
The turning point came during his stint in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where Bhuvneshwar Kumar demonstrated his ability to take wickets consistently. His 16 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 5.84 not only highlighted his skill but also his adaptability to different formats. The domestic competition allowed him to regain his rhythm and confidence, and it now positions him as a strong candidate for the IND vs AUS T20 series.
As India gears up to face Australia in the T20 series, they will likely field a relatively young and inexperienced team. In such a scenario, Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s experience and leadership could be invaluable. His inclusion in the squad could see him spearhead the pace attack, guiding the younger talents as they prepare for the T20 World Cup.
The IND vs AUS T20 series presents Bhuvneshwar Kumar with a golden opportunity to stake his claim for a permanent spot in the Indian team. With the focus firmly on T20 World Cup preparations, Bhuvneshwar knows that this chance is a significant one before the senior players return to action.
