Former Indian batter Subramaniam Badrinath said that veteran India pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar could be in contention for the 2027 ODI World Cup based on his performance in the upcoming T20I series in New Zealand as well. Team India added the 36-year-old after a four-year absence, with his last international match coming in November 2022 as well.

Talking about Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to international cricket, Badrinath said on his YouTube channel, Cric it with Badri, “The New Zealand conditions will be ideal for his comeback. He troubled batters in India itself, so he should exploit these conditions very well. And if he delivers and proves his fitness, he can be considered for the 2027 ODI World Cup. He should also be willing, though, so the team management should have a conversation with him. They should confirm with him whether he can bowl 10 overs and express their desire to have him for the World Cup in South Africa.”

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Subramaniam Badrinath also added that Team India should open with Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma in all five T20Is in New Zealand as well.

“Sanju Samson scored in two of the five matches against the West Indies. He should open with Abhishek Sharma in all five T20Is in New Zealand,” Subramaniam Badrinath concluded.