In the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final against England in Adelaide, when India lost by ten wickets and were eliminated from the game, out-of-favor India pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has talked about his extended absence from the national team.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar stated that he has no control over a possible return to the Indian squad, emphasising that the selectors make all decisions about selection. Although he acknowledged that the selection committee has the last say for his comeback, he stated that his personal priority is still on producing reliable performances in domestic cricket.
“Only the selectors can respond to that question,” says Aapko iska uttar chayanakarta denge. On the pitch, it’s my responsibility to give it my all, and I am. After the UP league, I’ll give it my all if I get the chance to play for Uttar Pradesh in the Ranji, Mushtaq Ali, or One-Day formats,” Bhuvneshwar Kumar told Dainik Jagran.
The Meerut native also subtly points out that not everyone is fortunate in the selecting process. With Rajeev Shukla presently serving as the interim president of the BCCI, the experienced bowler is hopeful of finding a way back into the squad.
“As a focused bowler, I continue to prioritise line-length and conditioning. No matter how good you do, you may not always be lucky. Your performance is crucial. You can’t ignore someone for long if they continuously play good cricket. Focus on giving it your all, even if you are not chosen. The selectors have the final say.
Indeed, it will be challenging to ignore potential under Rajeev Shukla as president, Bhuvneshwar Kumar added.
With 17 wickets in 14 games, the seasoned bowler was instrumental in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s first IPL championship earlier this year. Before being released before the huge auction, he played for Sunrisers Hyderabad the previous season, where he claimed 15 wickets. Bhuvneshwar is among the greatest wicket-takers in IPL history, having played in 190 games and taken 198 wickets over his career.