Ravichandran Ashwin backs Bhuvneshwar Kumar for India's 2027 World Cup squad

Indian off‑spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has publicly urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to consider veteran fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup. Ashwin highlighted a shortage of experience in India's current pace attack and praised Kumar's recent IPL form, where he took 45 wickets over two seasons for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, helping the side win consecutive titles. He stressed that Kumar remains fit, possesses swing bowling skills that trouble batters in all conditions, and can mentor younger bowlers. Ashwin argued that with less than a year before the tournament, the team should prioritize seasoned reliability alongside youthful talent.

Kumar, 36, last played internationally in 2022 after injury‑hit spells, has featured in 121 ODIs, 87 T20Is and 21 Tests, accumulating 141 ODI wickets at an average of 35.11. Ashwin’s comments were made via his YouTube channel, where he said, “Why not? The way our fast‑bowling stocks are right now, there is some struggle there,” and called for Kumar to be kept under consideration for the World Cup squad.