Bhuvneshwar Kumar says he never chased India comeback during four-year absence

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the Indian fast bowler, has disclosed that he never aimed to return to the Indian national team during his four-year absence from cricket. The 36-year-old bowler resumed his role in the national team's lineup for the first T20I against New Zealand in Christchurch, marking his first appearance since 2022. His return to the team was a result of his consistent performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

In a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Kumar credited his family for their crucial support during his time away from the national side. He stated that he never discussed his potential comeback to India with his family, which helped him avoid unnecessary pressure and concentrate on his cricket career.

Kumar further revealed that he did not set expectations for himself during his four-year absence, instead focusing on his work and personal growth. His performances in the IPL, where he took 45 wickets in 31 matches for RCB, played a significant role in his recall to the national team. Despite the long gap, Kumar expressed his happiness at getting another opportunity to represent India and emphasized the immense pride of wearing the national jersey.