Speculation arises as Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the seasoned Indian fast bowler, changed his Instagram bio from ‘India cricketer’ to ‘Indian,’ sparking retirement rumors. The 33-year-old has faced multiple injury concerns in recent years, impacting his international career. Bhuvneshwar last played for India in November 2022 during a T20I series against New Zealand.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has not been part of the ODI squad since January 2022 and doesn’t seem to feature in India’s plans for the upcoming ODI World Cup, scheduled from October 5 to November 17.
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Injuries have also limited Bhuvneshwar’s chances in Test cricket, and he hasn’t represented India in the longest format since the South Africa tour in December-January 2017-18.
Bhuvneshwar kumar in WC+CT+ASIA CUP (ODIs) tournaments.
Matches-26
Wickets -33
Eco-4.55
Avg-29Injury ruined his career was a top player. pic.twitter.com/lDxRXhlCD6
— ` (@rahulmsd_91) July 28, 2023
Despite his stellar performance in the IPL 2023, where he was the leading wicket-taker for SunRisers Hyderabad with 16 wickets in 14 innings, Bhuvneshwar has not been considered for the national team throughout 2023. His impressive strike rate of 19.12 and average of 26.56 in the T20 format demonstrate his continued prowess as a bowler.
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While it is improbable that Bhuvneshwar Kumar would abandon hopes of making a comeback in the T20 format, he faces tough competition for a spot in the Indian squad. However, the seasoned bowler remains the leader of SunRisers Hyderabad, and he is likely to work hard for a chance in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the USA.
In 2022, Bhuvneshwar picked up 37 wickets in 32 T20I matches, emerging as India’s leading wicket-taker in the shortest format. Despite this success, his performance in the T20 World Cup last year was below par, as he managed to claim only six wickets in four matches.
