Veteran seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has broken silence over his continued snub from the Indian team, suggesting that despite producing his best on the field, selection remains out of his hands. The remark is being construed as a veiled dig at the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee.
Speaking to Dainik Jagran on the sidelines of the UP T20 League, where he is leading the Lucknow Falcons, the 35-year-old reflected on his non-selection in the Indian team across formats.
While Bhuvneshwar’s last Test appearance was in January 2018, he hasn’t turned up for India in ODIs and T20Is since 2022.
“Aapko iska uttar chayanakarta denge (Only the selectors can answer that),” Bhuvneshwar said when asked whether fans can expect to see him in the Indian jersey again. “My job is to give 100 percent on the field, and I’m doing that. If I get a chance to play for Uttar Pradesh in the Mushtaq Ali, Ranji, or One-Day formats after the UP league, I will give my best there too.”
Bhuvneshwar has represented India in 121 ODIs, 21 Tests, and 87 T20Is so far, claiming 294 wickets across formats. Despite an impressive resume, the right-arm quick finds himself out of favour in the national setup for nearly three years.
Meanwhile, the seasoned campaigner has made consistent domestic appearances and maintained a disciplined training routine, particularly focused on fitness and accuracy.
“As a disciplined bowler, my focus remains on fitness and line-length. No matter how well you perform, sometimes luck doesn’t favour you,” he added.
When asked whether Rajeev Shukla’s elevation to BCCI president would improve the prospects for players from Uttar Pradesh, Bhuvneshwar remained diplomatic but called for merit.
“Your performance is paramount. If someone plays good cricket consistently, they cannot be ignored for long. Even if you’re not selected, focus on giving your 100 percent. The rest is up to the selectors,” he said. “Yes, with Rajeev Shukla as president, it will be difficult to overlook talent.”
Bhuvneshwar Kumar enjoyed a strong outing with the IPL 2025 champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru, picking up 17 wickets in 14 matches. While his international comeback remains uncertain, the experienced pacer is determined to keep going as long as his body allows him to.
