Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes pace spearhead Bhuvneshwar Kumar could return to the ODI setup if he impresses in the T20I series against New Zealand. The BCCI announced the 16-member squad for the New Zealand T20I series on October 6, which starts on October 22, with Bhuvneshwar making a comeback after last playing for India in November 2022 as well.
Speaking during a discussion on his YouTube channel (Ash Ki Baat), Ashwin said: “If Bhuvneshwar Kumar comes on this tour, swings the new ball a little, takes wickets and puts in a good performance, I don’t see any reason why he cannot make a comeback to the ODI setup as well. I don’t see anyone stopping Bhuvneshwar Kumar from coming back into the ODI setup because what do you actually need in the ODI setup?”
“Actually, you have been giving Harshit Rana opportunities to bat at No. 8, but alongside Jasprit Bumrah, you need another fast bowler who can also bat at No. 9. So, if Bhuvneshwar Kumar can put in the performance and, physically, it is evident to everyone that he is fit, I don’t see any reason why he couldn’t go all the way,” he further added.
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However, Ravichandran Ashwin also stated that India’s bowling attack looked weak without pacer Jasprit Bumrah in the recently concluded ODI series against the West Indies, which India won 2-1. He added that this could be one reason the selectors are now turning to experience, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar returning to the national team as well.
“Without Bumrah, we also saw in the ODI series that the attack can be a little susceptible. So perhaps that is why they are now looking towards experience. The fact that they have gone to Bhuvneshwar Kumar and have not gone to Mohammed Shami so far, I wouldn’t say the door is shut on Shami either,” he shared.
“But I’m very happy for Bhuvneshwar Kumar. He has broken the door down to get back into the team. He bowled really well in two consecutive IPL seasons. In the last IPL, he took 28 wickets in 16 games. That is just incredible. He made the ball do the talking,” he concluded.
