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R Ashwin Wants This Forgotten India Star Back for World Cup 2027: “We Would Need Him in South Africa…”
Despite not featuring in India’s ODI setup since 2022, veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has found strong backing from R Ashwin, who believes his experience could prove crucial in the 2027 ODI World Cup.
As discussions around India’s squad for the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 begin to gather momentum, former Indian off-spinner R Ashwin has made a strong case for the return of one experienced campaigner—Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
The veteran fast bowler, who last represented India in the ODI format in 2022, has largely remained outside the national team’s white-ball plans. However, Ashwin believes the swing specialist still has plenty to offer, especially with the next World Cup scheduled to be played in South Africa, where pace bowlers often enjoy favourable conditions.
Ashwin Wants Bhuvneshwar Back in India’s Plans
Speaking on his YouTube channel, R Ashwin said that Bhuvneshwar Kumar should be brought back into India’s ODI plans well in advance of the tournament. According to him, the experienced seamer should be given consistent opportunities in domestic cricket to ensure he remains match-ready.
Ashwin suggested that the team management should encourage Bhuvneshwar to participate in first-class cricket, the Vijay Hazare Trophy, and every available competitive tournament before the World Cup.”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,” Ashwin said.
IPL 2026 Performance Strengthens His Case
Ashwin’s comments come after Bhuvneshwar Kumar enjoyed an impressive campaign in IPL 2026, playing a vital role in guiding Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their maiden IPL title.
The seasoned pacer picked up 28 wickets during the tournament and consistently delivered with the new ball and in the death overs. His performances reminded cricket fans why he has long been regarded as one of India’s finest swing bowlers in white-ball cricket.
With selectors evaluating experienced and emerging fast-bowling options ahead of the 2027 World Cup, Bhuvneshwar’s successful IPL season has once again sparked discussions about a possible international comeback.
Ashwin Also Shares His Ideal Test XI
Apart from speaking about the ODI World Cup, Ashwin also shared his preferred playing XI for India’s opening Test against Sri Lanka, which begins in Galle on August 15.
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The former spinner backed India to field three specialist spinners, highlighting the spin-friendly conditions expected in Sri Lanka.
According to Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Manav Suthar, and Kuldeep Yadav should all feature in the starting XI.
He also proposed Saransh Jain as the No. 7 batter, while suggesting a top order featuring KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and either Devdutt Padikkal or Sai Sudharsan, alongside Rishabh Pant.
Ashwin believes such a combination would allow India to maintain a balanced attack with three spinners supported by two specialist fast bowlers.
Can Bhuvneshwar Script One Final Comeback?
At 2027 still some distance away, India’s selectors have enough time to assess several pace-bowling options. However, Ashwin’s endorsement highlights the value of experience in major ICC tournaments.
If Bhuvneshwar Kumar continues producing strong performances in domestic cricket and franchise competitions, the veteran could yet force his way back into India’s ODI plans.
For now, Ashwin’s remarks have reignited an intriguing debate—should India place its faith in proven experience, or continue building towards the future with a younger pace attack?
