Ravichandran Ashwin wants chief selector Ajit Agarkar to reopen communication with Bhuvneshwar Kumar before India finalises its plans for the ODI World Cup 2027.

The former India spinner believes Bhuvneshwar’s control, experience and ability to swing the new ball could make him valuable in African conditions. Ashwin has urged the selectors to speak with the experienced pacer and encourage him to play domestic cricket, including first-class competitions and the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Ashwin said Bhuvneshwar should be brought into peak condition because India could need him in South Africa. His comments came during a “Yes, No or Maybe” discussion about possible members of India’s World Cup squad. has reopened a major selection debate. Should India focus almost entirely on younger fast bowlers who offer height and extra pace, or should the selectors retain space for an experienced swing bowler?

Why Ravichandran Ashwin Wants Bhuvneshwar Kumar Back

Ashwin did not simply name Bhuvneshwar as a possible reserve. He placed him in the “Yes” category and called for direct communication between the player and India’s selectors.

His proposal appears to involve a structured comeback rather than an immediate international recall.

Bhuvneshwar would first need to play domestic red-ball cricket and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Those competitions would allow selectors to assess his fitness, workload, pace and ability to remain effective across longer spells.

Ashwin’s argument is particularly focused on conditions in South Africa, where eight venues will stage matches during the next men’s World Cup. Zimbabwe will host matches at three grounds, while Namibia will host games in Windhoek. ntext is important. The tournament will not take place exclusively in South Africa, but a large share of its matches will be played there.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s ODI Record

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has played 121 ODIs for India and taken 141 wickets. His best ODI figures are 5/42, while his career economy rate in the format is just over five runs per over. appearance came against South Africa on January 21, 2022. He later continued playing T20 internationals, with his final India appearance coming against New Zealand in Napier on November 22, 2022. the claim that the 2022 T20 World Cup semifinal against England was his final international match. Bhuvneshwar remained part of India’s T20I squad for the New Zealand tour immediately after that tournament.

The long international absence remains a major obstacle. By the time the World Cup begins, he will have spent almost five years outside India’s ODI team.

Bhuvneshwar took 28 wickets in 16 IPL 2026 matches for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He finished as the franchise’s leading wicket-taker and reportedly ended the season as the tournament’s second-highest wicket-taker

A Selection Trend Pointing the Other Way

Recent Indian ODI selections suggest a preference for taller and faster pacers. Hindustan Times reported that Gurnoor Brar and Prasidh Krishna could get more opportunities before the 2027 World Cup, although the BCCI has not confirmed this as an official strategy.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar offers a different skill set. He relies on swing, seam movement, accuracy and changes of pace rather than raw speed.

Ashwin believes those qualities could help India in South African conditions. However, any recall would still depend on Bhuvneshwar’s fitness, domestic form and ability to bowl full ten-over spells.

Ashwin Also Backed Rohit Sharma and Other Senior Players

During the selection discussion, Ravichandran Ashwin reportedly placed experienced players such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Shubman Gill, Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj in his “Yes” category.

He placed Mohammed Shami, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal in the “Maybe” group. ons show that Ashwin is not arguing for experience alone. His proposed group combines senior players with established members of India’s current limited-overs setup.

Bhuvneshwar is the most unexpected name because he has not represented India since 2022.

What Happens Before the ODI World Cup?

The ICC has announced 12 host venues across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The tournament will feature 14 teams and 57 matches, according to the governing body. route back would probably begin in domestic cricket rather than with an immediate India call-up. His Vijay Hazare Trophy performances would provide the most useful evidence because the tournament follows the 50-over format.

Selectors would need to examine:

• His fitness across consecutive matches.
• His new-ball movement.
• His effectiveness when the ball stops swinging.
• His bowling during the middle and death overs.
• His ability to complete full ten-over spells.

Ashwin has made the public case, but the comments do not amount to a selection decision or confirmation that Bhuvneshwar has returned to India’s plans.

The next move belongs to Ajit Agarkar and the selection committee. If they agree that Bhuvneshwar can offer something India’s younger fast bowlers cannot, communication and a clear domestic pathway would be the logical starting points.