'This was my last World Cup': Bhuvneshwar reveals why India return hopes faded

🏏 Bhuvneshwar Kumar: "This was my last World Cup"

After two stellar IPL seasons in the RCB colours, the veteran pacer is back in the India recall conversation—and honestly, the stats speak for themselves. Bhuvneshwar claimed 17 wickets in IPL 2025 and then exploded in 2026 with 28 wickets at an average of just 17.89, finishing a mere wicket short of a record third Purple Cap. 👏

Yet the 36-year-old isn't chasing the national team for validation. Speaking with Jatin Sapru, he admitted he feels he deserves another shot at representing India—but clarified, "I'm not playing to prove anything, but I'd be happy to play for India again."

The emotional honesty here is what catches you. Bhuvneshwar revealed that after India's T20 WC semifinal loss to England in Adelaide (2022), he called his wife Nupur and knew instantly: "This was my last World Cup." He'd read the selectors' body language all too well—when a big tournament ends in heartbreak, they always look ahead.

He'd actually hoped for a comeback after his last T20I in NZ in Nov 2022, misreading a management call as a hint for the next two series. It didn't happen, but he made peace with it—family, he says, was his anchor. "It wasn't hurtful... It wasn't easy."

Now, his red-hot IPL form has reignited the debate over India's T20I bowling attack. Whether the selectors answer that call remains to be seen—but one thing's clear: the king of swing hasn't lost a step. 💛🖤

What do you all think—does Bhuvneshwar deserve a recall in the current T20 setup? Let's discuss! 🎯

Source: Times of India