Bhuvneshwar Kumar cools down India comeback hype amid purple patch, says 'not anything special': 'Never worked for me'

Amid growing calls for an India recall after his strong IPL run, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has taken a calm, grounded view of the chatter.

Updated on: May 12, 2026, 12:57:58 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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The cricketing fraternity is buzzing over Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s resurgence in IPL 2026, with the veteran seamer rediscovering his vintage rhythm and even featuring at the top of the Purple Cap race at the moment. His performances have sparked growing calls for the BCCI to reconsider his place in the national setup. Bhuvneshwar last played for India in 2022, after which the team transitioned towards younger pace options, but his recent form has forced a rethink among observers. In this IPL season, he has been exceptional with the new ball, generating sharp swing both ways to strike early, while also showing remarkable control at the death. His ability to blend discipline with wicket-taking threat has made him a standout performer and put him firmly back in the conversation for an India recall.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar is currently leading the Purple cap race. (PTI)

Amid growing calls for an India recall after his strong IPL run, Bhuvneshwar has taken a calm, grounded view of the chatter. The veteran pacer reflected on his long career and achievements, while making it clear he is not focusing on comebacks or long-term goals at this stage.

“I am not thinking about India’s comeback. It has been many years since I stopped keeping or making long-term goals, because whenever I did that, it never worked for me. I am happy that I have played 200 matches and taken so many wickets, in the powerplay and at the death. I think it is all a reward for what I have done over the years. There have been good years and bad years. Honestly, at this point in time, I am not feeling anything special. Of course, I would be lying if I said that I will not feel it later on. Once I stop playing, I think these will be memories that will come in handy later. But at this point in time, for me, I think it is very normal," Bhuvneshwar said in a video posted by RCB.

Also Read - IPL 2026 Playoffs Hunt: Edge with RCB in top 2 race as SRH-GT push; mid-table scramble adds chaos in fight for survival

Bhuvneshwar has picked up 21 wickets in 11 matches so far and has been key to RCB's solid title defence, as they currently sit at the top of the points table with a high chance of making it to the playoffs.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar on not playing for India

The veteran pacer, who has not featured for India in recent years, acknowledged that while his performances in IPL 2026 have been strong, his approach to the game remains largely unchanged, apart from a bit more focus in training and recovery during his time away from international cricket.

“I know 2026 is going well. I’m getting wickets, but I’m doing all the same things I was doing earlier as well. Of course, I can say the training has been a bit more, or maybe some things have improved since I haven’t been playing for the country. One of the best things is that I get quite a long break after the IPL. I think I play so much cricket that I stay in touch, and I also get enough of a break that I have time to do other things," he said.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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