“I am not part of the Indian team, but this does not bother me”: Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Bhuvneshwar last played for India in a T20I against New Zealand last year.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar was one of India's leading pacers in white-ball cricket for almost 10 years after his debut in 2012. However, the rise of Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and other emerging pacers has pushed him down in the pecking order.

The right-arm seamer last played for India in New Zealand in a T20I last year and was then overlooked for the home white-ball series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand. He was also not picked for the three ODIs against Australia in March and the West Indies tour in July-August.

Bhuvneshwar’s latest snub from the Asia Cup and World Cup squads seems to be an indication that the selectors have moved on from the veteran pacer.

However, the 33-year-old isn’t losing his sleep over India comeback and he is rather looking to make the most of his time left as a fast bowler.

“When you are at a stage when you know you are going to play only for a few more years – being a fast bowler – it hits you and you want to enjoy cricket. I am at that stage now,” Bhuvneshwar said in an interview with The National.

“Yes I am not part of the Indian team, but this does not bother me. It’s not that I am trying something different or planning anything new to come back. I am just focusing on playing cricket.”

“I am not playing just to make a comeback. I am doing what is needed to play good cricket. There might be a chance to make a comeback [to the Indian team]. But that is not my focus. Whatever format or leagues I play, I want to contribute. If things fall into place, I can make a comeback but that is not my sole focus now,” he added.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar is currently plying his trade in the inaugural edition of the Uttar Pradesh T20 League, a local T20 franchise tournament in his state.

“We needed this in UP. UP is such a big state. Even if you have very good trials and selection matches, it is always limited. This league will help in finding talent. Because seeing a player in the nets and during matches are two different things,” Bhuvneshwar, who plays for Noida Super Kings, stated.

"There is a sense of security that comes with the finances that come with these leagues. This is at an early stage, but I am sure in a few years these leagues will provide players financial security on their own," he further remarked.