Bhuvneshwar Kumar Returns at 36 — Could He Be Part of India’s 2027 World Cup Plans?

Four years is a long time in international cricket, especially for a fast bowler. Yet Bhuvneshwar Kumar has managed to challenge that trend. At 36, the experienced seamer has returned to India’s national team after nearly four years away.

Bhuvneshwar has been included in India’s T20I squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand. His return has naturally raised questions about why the selectors have brought him back at this stage of his career.

The answer appears to be his consistency.

Consistency Behind the Comeback

Despite his age, Bhuvneshwar has remained effective in the IPL. Since 2023, he has taken 72 wickets in the tournament, the most by any bowler during that period. He has also maintained a bowling average of 26.97 and an economy rate of 8.7.

His ability to swing the new ball, maintain disciplined lines and lengths, and move the ball in both directions remains one of his biggest strengths. Those qualities have kept him in contention for an international comeback.

Part of India’s World Cup Plans?

India often builds its squads with major tournaments in mind, and Bhuvneshwar’s return could be linked to a longer-term plan.

According to The Indian Express, the veteran seamer is being considered not only for the New Zealand tour but also as a potential option for India’s 2027 ODI World Cup plans.

Bhuvneshwar himself has expressed a desire to play in another World Cup. Speaking recently on Jatin Sapru’s YouTube channel, he said that nothing compares to the feeling of playing in a World Cup.

The fast bowler also revealed that he is continuing to train and prepare himself with the help of a physiotherapist and trainer. However, he stressed that his preparation is not solely focused on making the World Cup squad.

Fitness Will Be the Big Test

At 36, however, the biggest question will be whether Bhuvneshwar can handle the demands of 50-over cricket after such a long absence.

His last ODI appearance for India came in January 2022, while his most recent 50-over cricket appearance was in the 2023 Vijay Hazare Trophy. The Indian management will therefore need to assess his fitness and ability to handle the workload of ODI cricket before considering him for the 2027 World Cup.

The New Zealand tour could provide an important opportunity for that assessment.

When Did Bhuvneshwar Last Play for India?

Bhuvneshwar last represented India at the 2022 T20 World Cup. His final Test appearance came in January 2018, while his last ODI for India was in January 2022.

Since then, he has remained active in domestic cricket and the IPL. His consistent performances have kept him relevant, and he also played an important role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s consecutive IPL title-winning campaigns.

His return, therefore, may look sudden, but it has been built on consistent performances and experience.

The big question now is whether Bhuvneshwar’s comeback will remain limited to the New Zealand series—or whether the veteran seamer can do enough to keep himself in contention for India’s 2027 ODI World Cup squad.