‘I’ve Gone Past That Time’: Bhuvneshwar Kumar says he doesn't expect a call up to the national team
Bhuvaneshwar also admitted that he had already sensed during the 2022 T20 World Cup that it could be his last World Cup for India. However, despite accepting the situation, Bhuvaneshwar remains open to another opportunity to wear the national jersey.
XtraTime Webdesk: In a candid interview, veteran Indian seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar opened up about his fading chances of a national comeback, admitting he has finally moved past the exhausting cycle of waiting for the next India squad announcement.
Kumar last donned the blue jersey back in November 2022. Despite a phenomenal IPL season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the 36-year-old fast bowler made it clear that he is no longer operating with the sole intention of catching the selectors' eyes.
"I’m not playing to prove anything, but I’d be happy to play for India again. I have gone past that time when I used to wait for the next series," Kumar shared comfortably.
The swing specialist also peeled back the curtain on a bittersweet moment when he truly believed a national recall was just around the corner. He revealed that a phone call from the management left him under the impression he would be brought back within a couple of series—only for the reality to pan out very differently.
"Because I had received a call. What they said, based on that, I felt maybe the next two series. But then I realised it’s not what they said," Kumar recalled. "It wasn’t hurtful, because then I knew what was happening, and I made peace with it. It wasn’t easy, but my family played a big role."
While the international door may be closing, Kumar remains an absolute force in domestic franchise cricket. He has been instrumental in RCB's back-to-back title charges, using his experience to take 17 and 28 wickets in back to back seasons at an elite average of 17.89.
Kumar confessed that he already had a gut feeling during the 2022 T20 World Cup that it would be his final mega-event for the country. In the end, the veteran pacer still remains open to the magic of wearing the Indian jersey one last time if the opportunity ever knocks.
