Ravichandran Ashwin has urged Bhuvneshwar Kumar to earn a fresh call-up to India\u2019s T20I squad after the seasoned pace bowler produced a match-turning display for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026. Bhuvneshwar\u2019s standout all-round impact helped RCB seal a dramatic two-wicket win over Mumbai Indians in Raipur, and Ashwin believes the veteran has done more than enough to be considered again in the national colours.<\/p>\n
In a tense chase at Raipur on Sunday, the defending champions managed to get home with the game hanging in the balance until the final over. Bhuvneshwar set the tone with the ball, finishing with figures of 4\/23, before delivering a decisive blow with a crucial six as the pressure reached its peak. The combination of wicket-taking control and timely batting thrust is exactly what has caught Ashwin\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n
Speaking on JioStar, Ashwin backed a return for Bhuvneshwar to India\u2019s shortest-format plans, saying the pacer\u2019s skill set fits the demands of modern T20 cricket\u2014especially during the new-ball phase and the high-pressure death overs.<\/p>\n
\u201cHashtag \u2018BringBackBhuvi\u2019, I\u2019d love to see him being considered for the T20I side,\u201d Ashwin said. \u201cHe\u2019s ticking the boxes with the new ball, he can wrap up the death overs properly, and if you need a six under pressure, he\u2019s hammering that as well in the toughest part of the ground.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ashwin was also impressed by how Bhuvneshwar handled the early phase against Mumbai\u2019s top order. The veteran pacer delivered a seam-bowling masterclass, striking Ryan Rickelton, Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav in a fiery opening spell. With the pitch offering movement and uneven bounce, Bhuvneshwar\u2019s ability to adapt quickly proved decisive.<\/p>\n
The former India spinner singled out one dismissal in particular, praising the manner in which Bhuvneshwar extracted something special once he realised the conditions were offering assistance.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat was proper Test-match bowling after he realised there was something on the surface. He keeps testing you as an opening batter,\u201d Ashwin said. \u201cTo dismiss Rohit Sharma with that peach, a slower ball that just swung, was quite incredible.\u201d<\/p>\n
Beyond the wickets, Ashwin highlighted Bhuvneshwar\u2019s composure in the final overs. He noted that the pacer stayed disciplined and executed the yorker when the moment presented itself, even when the opportunity could have been used for a more aggressive option.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd later on, he was selfless enough to execute the yorker when he could have gone for a fourth wicket. Extremely happy for him,\u201d Ashwin added.<\/p>\n
Bhuvneshwar\u2019s sensational run is continuing to build momentum in IPL 2026. The RCB quick is currently leading the Purple Cap standings with 21 wickets from 11 matches. His economy rate of 7.46 is the best among the top wicket-takers this season, reinforcing his knack for both breaking partnerships and keeping scoring under control.<\/p>\n
RCB\u2019s win over MI has had significant consequences in the league phase. The result moved them to the top of the IPL standings and also ended Mumbai Indians\u2019 hopes of reaching the playoffs, despite the five-time champions having entered the season with high expectations.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Ravichandran Ashwin has urged Bhuvneshwar Kumar to earn a fresh call-up to India\u2019s T20I squad after the seasoned pace bowler produced a match-turning display for…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":9024,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_title":"IPL 2026: Ashwin Backs Bhuvneshwar for India T20I Call-Up","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Ashwin backs Bhuvneshwar for an India T20I return after IPL 2026 brilliance as RCB\u2019s match-winning show sparks fresh national call-up hopes.","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9025","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ipl"],"yoast_head":"\n