Cricket circles are keeping a close watch on Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s revival in IPL 2026, where the experienced swing bowler appears to have found his old rhythm again. The seamer has not only been impactful with the new ball, but he is also currently hovering near the top of the Purple Cap standings. With his performances gaining momentum, discussion has intensified around whether the BCCI should revisit his case for the India setup.
Bhuvneshwar’s last appearance for India came in 2022, after which the national team moved toward a younger pace group. However, his latest form has disrupted that narrative, prompting fresh debate from observers who believe his skills still travel well in international cricket. In IPL 2026, his spellcraft has been particularly noticeable—he has generated sharp movement both ways early in innings and maintained tight command at the death.
Quick facts
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s resurgence in IPL 2026 is drawing attention across the cricketing fraternity.
- He is currently in contention for the Purple Cap race.
- He last played for India in 2022.
- In IPL 2026, he has taken 21 wickets in 11 matches so far.
- He has been described as key to RCB’s strong title defence.
- RCB sit at the top of the points table with a strong chance of reaching the playoffs.
While the chatter around an India recall has grown, Bhuvneshwar has struck a measured tone when addressing the speculation. The veteran pacer pointed to the length of his career and the milestones he has already achieved, while also stressing that he is not treating the moment as a pathway to immediate long-term plans.
In a video shared by RCB, he made it clear he is not dwelling on a return to the national team. He said it has been years since he stopped planning around keeping goals in mind, explaining that whenever he tried to think too far ahead, it did not seem to work out for him.
“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,” Bhuvneshwar said. He added that he is content with what he has already delivered over the years, including the number of matches he has played and the wickets he has taken in both the powerplay and the closing stages.
He also reflected on the natural rhythm of a long career—acknowledging that there have been strong seasons and quieter ones. At this stage, he said he does not feel anything out of the ordinary, though he believes those moments could become useful memories later once he stops playing.
“Honestly, at this point in time, I am not feeling anything special,” he said. “Of course, I would be lying if I said that I will not feel it later on… But at this point in time, for me, I think it is very normal.”
Wickets and RCB’s title defence
On the field, Bhuvneshwar’s numbers have backed the hype. He has taken 21 wickets in 11 matches so far and has played a crucial role in RCB’s steady campaign. The franchise, which is aiming to defend the title, currently sits at the top of the points table, with a strong probability of securing a playoff berth.
Alongside his wicket-taking impact, he has been credited with adding structure to the early overs and finishing spells with control. That combination—discipline up front and wicket pressure at the end—has helped make him a standout figure in this IPL season’s bowling charts.
Same game, sharper routine
Bhuvneshwar also addressed how his game has evolved since he has been away from international cricket for several years. While he admitted that IPL 2026 has been going well and that he is collecting wickets, he insisted his core approach remains largely the same.
He suggested the main difference is a slightly increased emphasis on training and recovery during his time away from the national setup. One factor he highlighted positively was the break after the IPL, which he believes helps him stay fresh across the calendar.
“I know 2026 is going well. I’m getting wickets, but I’m doing all the same things I was doing earlier as well,” he said. He added that training has been a bit more, and that some elements may have improved simply because he has not been playing for the country.
He also explained his schedule balance: the long break after the IPL gives him time to focus on other interests and helps him maintain his overall rhythm, while still keeping himself connected to cricket through regular action.
“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,” Bhuvneshwar concluded.
