It has been four years since Bhuvneshwar Kumar last played for India in a T20I, a quiet outing against New Zealand in Napier that came soon after India’s semi-final exit in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia. Following that tournament, he was phased out during India’s transition in the shortest format and has not featured since.However, his performances in IPL 2026 have reopened the debate about an international return. Now leading the Purple Cap race, Bhuvneshwar has taken 21 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 15.28 and an economy rate of 7.46, underlining a remarkable resurgence at the age of 36.
His most recent standout performance came against Mumbai Indians, where he produced a match-winning spell of 4/23, dismissing key batters including Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton and Suryakumar Yadav. He also contributed with the bat, hitting a crucial six that helped his team recover in a tense phase of the innings.Former cricketer Aakash Chopra has strongly backed a recall, pointing to both form and consistency. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said, “Bhuvneshwar Kumar, you have been absolutely outstanding. I am saying a place should be made for him again in the Indian T20I team. He picked up four wickets. He has taken three or more wickets six times this season. Before this, in the 19-year history, only one bowler had taken three wickets six times. That was Harshal Patel in the 2021 season. Bhuvi has already done that here. He is bowling at an economy of less than eight.”Chopra also highlighted India’s busy T20I calendar, suggesting that consistent domestic form should be rewarded with opportunities at the international level.With sustained performances, match-winning spells, and elite economy control, Bhuvneshwar’s IPL 2026 season has forced selectors to at least revisit a conversation that once seemed closed.