"Did not chase it" - Bhuvneshwar Kumar opens up on India comeback amid NZ vs IND 2026 T20Is

Veteran Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar admitted that he is proud to have made a comeback to the Indian team after a gap of four years. He, however, added that he was not chasing a comeback, but was only giving his best in whatever matches he was playing.

Bhuvneshwar was recalled to the Indian team for the first time since 2022 when the T20I squad for the ongoing tour of New Zealand was announced. Two impressive IPL seasons with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) paved the way for his return to international cricket.

Speaking after the third T20I against New Zealand in Wellington on Tuesday, October 27, Bhuvneshwar shared his candid views on his comeback and said (via Cricinfo):

"To tell you the truth, I did not chase. Yes, it is a dream. I am not saying that I am not happy. I am very happy. To play for India, to represent India, it is a matter of pride. So, I am feeling very proud that I made a comeback. But the truth is that I did not chase it. For four years, whatever was coming in front of me - tournaments, challenges, whatever - about cricket, about fitness, whatever else, I kept doing it.

"I never thought that I would want to play cricket for [only an India] comeback. So I think that made things very easy. Luckily, the performance happened. I think all the credit goes to my [last] two years of IPL. Because of that, [an India comeback] is happening," the 36-year-old added.

Bhuvneshwar has represented India in 91 T20Is so far and has claimed 91 wickets at an average of 24.37 and an economy rate of 7.14, with two five-fers and three four-fers.

A tough India comeback for Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Bhuvneshwar starred with 17 wickets for RCB in IPL 2025. Earlier this year, he claimed 28 scalps. The right-arm pacer, however, has struggled to make an impact on his international comeback in New Zealand. In three matches, he has claimed just one wicket at an average of 139 and an economy rate of 11.58.

Meanwhile, having clinched the five-match series 3-0, India will take on New Zealand in the fourth T20I at the Eden Park in Auckland on October 30.

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