Bhuvneshwar Kumar has admitted that he has accepted his India career may be over, saying he is now “at peace” with no longer being part of the national setup. Speaking on the RCB Podcast, the veteran pacer revealed that his family played a major role in helping him come to terms with the reality after his last India appearance in 2022.
The 36-year-old explained that discussions about national selection never take place at home, allowing him to move on without regrets. While another India comeback would be welcome, Bhuvneshwar Kumar said it is no longer the driving force behind his career. Recently, Ravichandran Ashwin backed Bhuvneshwar Kumar for the 2027 World Cup.
“I am at peace”: Why Bhuvneshwar Kumar no longer worries about India selection
Bhuvneshwar Kumar said the biggest reason he has been able to move on from the disappointment of missing out on the Indian team is the environment at home. Instead of constantly discussing selection or questioning why he has not returned, his family has ensured cricket stays away from everyday conversations. He stated:
“I am at peace, and I give credit to my family. At home, we never talk about cricket. We never talk about whether I’ll get back into the Indian team, why I wasn’t selected, or what went wrong. That played a big role, and there is no regret. When you’re a core member of a team, everyone says: ‘Team comes first.’ But when you’re no longer in the team, naturally you feel: ‘Maybe I should still be there.'”
The experienced seamer acknowledged that every international cricketer eventually goes through a transition phase and believes accepting that reality is part of professional sport.
“I understand that transitions are a part of sport. I understand that generations change. I’m not the first player to experience this, and I certainly won’t be the last. That is part of the game. Family plays a big role. I am happy being where I am.”
Why Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s recent IPL performances still deserve attention
Although Bhuvneshwar Kumar has accepted his current position, his IPL performances over the last two seasons suggest he has continued to operate at a high level.
In IPL 2025, the right-arm pacer claimed 17 wickets in 14 matches. While his economy rate of 9.28 reflected a mixed campaign, Royal Challengers Bengaluru continued to trust him with the new ball as well as in the death overs because of his experience and ability to deliver under pressure.
He followed that up with a remarkable IPL 2026 season, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament. Bhuvneshwar picked up 28 wickets in 16 matches at an impressive economy rate of 7.95
In both seasons, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) lifted the Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar played a vital role in it.
“I’ve already played for India”: What motivates Bhuvneshwar Kumar now
Bhuvneshwar said he no longer measures success by whether he earns another India cap. Having already represented the country for more than a decade, he now plays simply because he enjoys cricket. He elaborated:
“I’ve already played for India. That’s not something I have to achieve now. If I get another opportunity, that’s great, but I’ve been there. Everything I’m doing now is because of my love for the game. I know I have to stay disciplined. I play domestic cricket, I play the UP T20 League. I make sure I play enough cricket to stay in touch, while also giving myself enough breaks to recover and stay refreshed.”
“I’m still playing the IPL and domestic cricket because I love the game. When you’re young and playing for India, you say you love the game. But only now do I actually understand phrases like ‘control the controllables’, ‘don’t overthink’ and ‘play for the passion of the game’. I can genuinely feel those things.”
Why Bhuvneshwar credits Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri for India’s pace revolution
Looking back on one of the most successful periods in India’s Test history, Bhuvneshwar Kumar credited both the IPL and the leadership of Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri for transforming India’s fast-bowling culture.
According to him, the IPL gave young pacers exposure to elite-level cricket, helping them mature much faster than previous generations.
He also praised Kohli and Shastri for preparing India to succeed overseas by ensuring home Test pitches offered assistance to fast bowlers ahead of important foreign tours.
“The IPL deserves a lot of credit because it exposed so many talented fast bowlers to high-level cricket. You bring them to the setup, and they mature over time. Traditionally, Indian pitches favoured spin, while overseas conditions suited fast bowling. But during that period, a lot of credit goes to Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri. They had a clear vision,” Bhuvneshwar Kumar said.
“I remember we had important overseas tours coming up. Before those tours, even our home Test matches were played on pitches that helped fast bowlers, simply to prepare us. That showed their vision: they were about building a pace attack. Small decisions like that matter a lot.”
How Praveen Kumar helped shape Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s bowling career
Bhuvneshwar Kumar also reflected on the influence of former India fast bowler Praveen Kumar, revealing that the two came through the same cricket academy.
Rather than asking constant questions, the young Bhuvneshwar Kumar preferred to learn by closely observing Praveen’s methods along with the guidance of his coaches and senior players. He explained:
“We come from the same academy. When I first joined, he was already playing state cricket. By the time I reached state level, he was playing for India. Our bowling styles were naturally very similar. When I was younger, I was too shy to keep asking him questions.”
“Instead, I simply observed him. Not just him – my coaches and senior players too. Looking back, I realise how lucky I was. The guidance I received during those years built the strong bowling fundamentals that I still rely on today.”
