Swing King ODI Return: Old Spark Missing?

Bhuvneshwar Kumar is back in the Indian T20I team after four years, but his first three matches have not shown the best of Bhuvi.

The experienced pacer has taken only one wicket and conceded 139 runs at an economy rate of 11.58 in the ongoing series against New Zealand.

Bhuvneshwar is not stopping at T20 cricket. He has confirmed that he will play the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, opening the door for a return to 50 over cricket after three years.

Bhuvneshwar last played an ODI for India in January 2022 against South Africa. He missed the 2023 World Cup at home and has not featured in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in the last two seasons.

His return to domestic 50 over cricket will give him a chance to show that he still has something to offer in the format.

With the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching, India will need experienced options in their pace attack.

Bhuvneshwar has played in the 2015 and 2019 World Cups, but a place in the next squad will depend on his performances and India’s plans. His experience with the new ball and ability to bowl at the death could still be useful if he can find his rhythm again.

Bhuvneshwar has made it clear that he is not thinking too far ahead. He said he did not chase an India comeback and credited his performances in the IPL over the last two years for helping him return to the national team.

His T20I comeback has not gone as expected so far. Now, the Vijay Hazare Trophy could give him another chance to build momentum. The question is whether Bhuvneshwar can rediscover his old form and make a case for a return to India’s ODI setup.