Kamal Ghorui
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has once again emerged as a key figure in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2026 campaign, sparking fresh conversations around a possible return to the Indian team. After playing a vital role in RCB’s title-winning season last year, the experienced pacer has continued his impressive form this season as well.Bhuvneshwar has already claimed 21 wickets in 11 matches and has been central to RCB’s strong title defence, with the franchise currently sitting at the top of the points table and needing just one win from their remaining three games to confirm playoff qualification.
With fans and experts increasingly calling for his return to the national side, Bhuvneshwar has remained calm about the growing speculation. Reflecting on his long journey and achievements in Indian cricket, the seasoned pacer stated that he is not currently focused on comebacks or long-term ambitions, choosing instead to stay grounded and concentrate on contributing to his team.“I am not thinking about India’s comeback. It has been many years since I stopped keeping or making long-term goals, because whenever I did that, it never worked for me. I am happy that I have played 200 matches and taken so many wickets, in the powerplay and at the death. I think it is all a reward for what I have done over the years. There have been good years and bad years. Honestly, at this point in time, I am not feeling anything special. Of course, I would be lying if I said that I will not feel it later on. Once I stop playing, I think these will be memories that will come in handy later. But at this point in time, for me, I think it is very normal,” Bhuvneshwar said in a video posted by RCB.The veteran seamer delivered one of his best performances of the season during RCB’s thrilling win over Mumbai Indians on May 10. Named Player of the Match, Bhuvneshwar tore through Mumbai’s top order, finishing with figures of 4/23 in his four overs. His crucial spell included the wickets of Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav in the same over, putting MI under immense pressure early in the chase. He also made a decisive contribution with the bat in the tense final moments of the game. With RCB needing nine runs off the last three deliveries, Bhuvneshwar smashed a crucial six off Raj Angad Bawa before Bengaluru sealed a dramatic two-wicket victory on the final ball.
