Bhuvneshwar Kumar's T20I recall earns praise from cricket veterans

Former Indian cricketers Murali Kartik and Ravi Shastri have voiced strong support for Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to the national T20I squad, arguing that age should not be a barrier to selection for high-performing players.

Shastri described the 36-year-old’s recall as a “no-brainer,” citing his consistent discipline and elite-level control in recent domestic and franchise cricket. He specifically highlighted Kumar’s ability to execute powerplay swings and death-over bowling as invaluable assets for the national team. Kumar’s recent form includes a standout IPL campaign where he secured 28 wickets in 16 matches with an economy rate under eight.

Murali Kartik also welcomed the comeback, stating that as long as a player is not a liability on the field and remains capable of movement, their age is secondary to their skill. Kartik noted that Kumar’s recent performances in the IPL and domestic leagues have made a strong case for his inclusion.

Despite the renewed selection interest, Kumar has indicated that an international recall is no longer his primary obsession, noting that he now plays primarily out of passion for the game.