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'Selectors will be watching very closely' - R Ashwin backs Bhuvneshwar Kumar for ODI World Cup 2027 after T20I comeback

India’s senior selection committee has recalled Bhuvneshwar Kumar to the T20I squad for a five-match series against New Zealand starting October 22 at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval, marking his first international return in nearly four years. The 36-year-old fast bowler, who last played for India in November 2022, has been given a critical opportunity to regain form and fitness after a prolonged absence, with his strong IPL 2026 season—where he took 28 wickets in 16 games for Royal Challengers Bengaluru—serving as the foundation for his recall.

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has publicly backed Kumar’s potential ODI comeback, suggesting selectors will closely monitor his performance in New Zealand. If Kumar impresses, he could secure a spot in India’s squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup, joining elite pacers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.

With 87 T20Is and 121 ODIs under his belt, Kumar’s experience as both a new-ball operator and death-overs specialist remains a key asset for the team.

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