India pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar on Friday (July 16) rubbished the speculations that he isn’t interested in playing Test cricket anymore, saying he doesn't want to prioritise white or red ball cricket and focusing on keeping himself ready for all three formats of the game.
Bhuvneshwar’s last Test appearance came during the South Africa tour in 2018. Injuries have played spoilsport for him in the last couple of years and India's rich fast bowling stocks ensured his absence when the selectors picked a 20-man squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against New Zealand and the five-match Test series against England.
Amid his snub, media reports claimed that the paceman wants to concentrate only on shorter formats and not the traditional red-ball format.
"To be honest, there is no priority for me whether it's red ball or white ball, if I am selected in red ball and I am part of any team, I will definitely try to contribute.
"I am not looking to prioritise white or red ball cricket. So working on preparing for all formats," Bhuvneshwar told reporters ahead of India's white ball series against Sri Lanka starting with ODIs from July 18.
During the 2021-23 WTC cycle, Team India will play Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Australia at home and Bangladesh, England and South Africa away.
India’s new cycle begins with the upcoming five-match Test series against England, starting August 4 at Trent Bridge.
"I am not looking way ahead, (certainly not 18-20 months) definitely. I will prepare myself for all three formats," Bhuvneshwar stated.
Asked if he is satisfied with his career and whether there are any regrets about not being a part of the "main" team, the 31-year-old replied: "I don't think the team playing in England is 'main team' neither is this team 'main'. Both are Indian teams.”
"As far as I am concerned, injuries are a part and parcel and ups and downs are there but I am satisfied with my career. My endeavour is to contribute as much as possible for the Indian team."
Bhuvneshwar Kumar also made it clear that he hasn’t made any changes to his bowling despite being hit by a number of injuries in recent times.
"Not really (on changes). Only thing I have worked on is how to get over those injuries quickly. But not any particular thing."
There are many new faces in India’s white-ball squad for Sri Lanka tour with Devdutt Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Nitish Rana, K Gowtham, and Chetan Sakariya receiving maiden India call-up. Legendary Rahul Dravid is overseeing the young guns on the tour.
Asked how it has been working with Dravid, Bhuvneshwar said: "He keeps things simple. Everyone is listening to him. That's been the case for the last month. We will get to learn more on strategic part in days to come."
(With PTI inputs)
