Bhuvneshwar Kumar tipped to make India comeback, end four-year exile after rolling back the years with RCB

Chopra feels that, given the number of T20Is India plays throughout the year, the opportunity is ripe for the selectors to hand Bhuvneshwar a recall. Against the Mumbai Indians last evening, Bhuvneshwar returned figures of 4/23 – his best this season – including the wickets of Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton and Suryakumar Yadav. Besides starring with the ball, Bhuvneshwar also impressed with the bat, smashing a six that helped RCB get out of jail.

“He even hit a six over cover in the end, and reminds one of Mukul Choudhary. If the selection happens based on performances, and the number of T20Is we are going to play, and it’s being said that you will have to play multiple teams at the same time, then play Bhuvi as well. What’s the point otherwise? There should be some gain from performances, and that can be the only benefit.”

India play 18 T20 internationals this year, but the chances of Bhuvneshwar returning appear slim. Indian cricket has moved on from him, and with the management putting its faith in younger players, the prospect of a 35-year-old playing T20I cricket again isn’t particularly exciting. In 2022, Dinesh Karthik earned a recall to the Indian team after a successful IPL stint, but his return didn't last long.

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