Fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar has spoken about his absence in the Indian team for the upcoming tours of Ireland and England. Despite his strong performances in the IPL over the past few seasons, Bhuvneshwar has maintained a balanced stance on the repeated criticisms and has said that he is focused on his cricket.
India, led by Shreyas Iyer, will begin the tour with a two-match T20I series against Ireland in Belfast.. The first match will be played on June 26 at the Civil Services Cricket Club, followed by the second game on June 28 at the same venue. After this, India will go to England for a five-match T20 series starting from July 1.
It’s my nature that I don’t want to show that I want to play – Bhuvneshwar Kumar on India recall
Speaking to The Indian Express, Bhuvneshwar Kumar addressed the discussion regarding his absence from the Indian team. The veteran fast bowler said that he prefers to focus on his performance rather than publicly competing for a place in the national team.
“It’s my nature not to show that I want to play. I think everyone is doing their job. The selectors are doing their job. I’m doing my job. It’s their responsibility to make selections. If they think I’m good enough, they’ll do their job.”
Bhuvneshwar finished as the second-highest wicket-taker in IPL 2026, taking 28 wickets in 16 matches at an average of 17.89 and an economy rate of 7.95. He also made important contributions in the final, returning figures of 2/29 from his four overs.
I think it’s a big thing to play for India – Bhuvneshwar Kumar on his international future
Bhuvneshwar Kumar said that representing India is one of the biggest achievements in a cricketer’s career. The veteran fast bowler admitted that he would love to play for India again but is grateful for what he has achieved at the international level.
“I have played, I have done what I had to do. If I had not played, I would have been dying to be asked to play matches. I think playing for India is a big thing, I wouldn’t say it is a small thing, I am one of the lucky ones to have played.”
Bhuvneshwar has enjoyed a successful international career, especially in the T20I format. He has taken 90 wickets in 86 T20I innings at an economy rate of 6.96. However, the 36-year-old has not played for India since the T20I against New Zealand in Napier in November 2022.
Bowling is not so easy, you have to work hard for it – Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Bhuvneshwar Kumar believes that success in cricket is not achieved by any advice but by hard work. The veteran fast bowler said no particular suggestion changed his career, adding that consistent effort and dedication have been the major factors behind his longevity and success.
“No sir, till date I have not received any advice which has changed my life. There is not a single advice which has made a huge difference in my bowling, which has changed my life. Bowling is not that easy, you have to work hard for it.”
The fast bowler continues to follow a strict fitness routine with the support of a trainer, physiotherapist and dietician. His disciplined approach has helped him remain effective in both domestic cricket and the IPL.
