"I told her I think this will be my last World Cup" - Bhuvneshwar Kumar opens up on India comeback aspirations since 2022
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who last represented India in 2022, shared his feelings about possibly playing his final World Cup and his uncertain prospects of returning to the national team. He emphasized that while he would welcome a call, he is not actively waiting for a recall. The veteran bowler also ref…
After India’s 2022 T20 World Cup exit in the semi‑final against England, veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar admitted that he felt it might be his last World Cup for the national side. Speaking to Jatin Sapru on a recent podcast, the 32‑year‑old revealed that the defeat at Adelaide left him with a sense that the selectors were looking ahead and that his place in the future squad was uncertain.
Feeling the Weight of a Loss
When the final whistle blew after the 2022 semi‑final, Kumar walked back to the dressing room and told his wife, Nupur, “I think this will be my last World Cup.” He explained that the loss had a psychological impact on him and that the selectors tend to look at the future after a team’s exit from a major tournament. The pacer added that he had been dropped from the national side following the New Zealand series that year, which marked the end of his international career for the time being.
The Reality of a Comeback
Despite being approached by the cricket board about a potential return, Kumar said the conversations did not materialise into a concrete plan. He admitted that he had hoped for a callback after a few series, but eventually accepted that a comeback was unlikely. “I am emotional, but I am not at the same time,” he said. “I don’t go and look at the India jersey and feel emotional. I take things very normally.” He added that after a few series of being left out, he made peace with the situation and stopped waiting for a call.
Heartbreaks from Past World Cups
When asked about the most painful moments in his career, Kumar pointed to India’s semi‑final loss to New Zealand in the 2019 Cricket World Cup. He described the match as a “normal target” that India was chasing, and that the defeat was more heartbreaking than the 2022 T20 semi‑final. He noted that weather conditions had played a role, as rain had interrupted the game, and that the outcome could have been different if the match had gone uninterrupted.
Current Outlook and Future Possibilities
Looking ahead, Kumar stated that he is not actively waiting for a recall. He expressed that he would love to play for India if the opportunity arose, but he is not “playing to prove anything.” He said he no longer waits for squad announcements and that he has moved past the mindset of hoping for a call. If he does receive an invitation, he would consider it, but if not, he remains content with his current state.
With 229 international matches to his name and 294 wickets at an average of 29.50, Kumar’s experience and skill set remain valuable. However, the decision to bring him back would depend on team strategy, his fitness, and the selectors’ assessment of the current bowling lineup.
As the Indian cricket calendar progresses, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see if the seasoned pacer receives a nod from the selectors. Until then, Kumar’s reflections offer a candid glimpse into the mental journey of a player navigating the highs and lows of international cricket.
What This Means for Indian Cricket
Kumar’s comments underscore the challenges faced by senior players who find themselves on the fringes of national selection. They also highlight the emotional toll that being dropped can have, even for seasoned professionals. His openness about the possibility of a final World Cup adds depth to the narrative surrounding India’s pursuit of a World Cup title and the evolving composition of the squad.
Key Takeaways
- After the 2022 T20 World Cup semi‑final loss, Bhuvneshwar Kumar felt it might be his last World Cup for India.
- He was dropped following the 2022 New Zealand series and has not been recalled since.
- Despite being approached for a comeback, the pacer believes a return is unlikely and has accepted the situation.
- He cites the 2019 World Cup semi‑final loss to New Zealand as a more heartbreaking moment.
- Kumar is open to playing again if called but is no longer actively waiting for a recall.
FAQs
- What was Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s last international match? His last appearance for India was in 2022, after the New Zealand series.
- Did Kumar express a desire to return to the Indian squad? He said he would welcome a call but is not actively waiting for one.
- How many wickets has Kumar taken for India? He has taken 294 wickets across all formats.
- What was the emotional impact of the 2022 T20 World Cup loss? He felt it was a turning point that led him to consider it his last World Cup.
- Has Kumar spoken about the 2019 World Cup? Yes, he described it as a more heartbreaking defeat than the 2022 semi‑final.
Why it matters
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s candid reflections shed light on the emotional and professional challenges faced by senior cricketers navigating selection dynamics, offering fans a deeper understanding of the human side of international sport.
Key points
- Kumar feels 2022 T20 World Cup may be his last for India
- He was dropped after the 2022 New Zealand series
- A comeback conversation did not materialise
- He cites 2019 World Cup semi‑final as a more heartbreaking loss
- He is open to playing again if called but is not actively waiting
Frequently asked questions
What was Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s last international match?
His last appearance for India was in 2022, after the New Zealand series.
Did Kumar express a desire to return to the Indian squad?
He said he would welcome a call but is not actively waiting for one.
How many wickets has Kumar taken for India?
He has taken 294 wickets across all formats.
What was the emotional impact of the 2022 T20 World Cup loss?
He felt it was a turning point that led him to consider it his last World Cup.
Has Kumar spoken about the 2019 World Cup?
Yes, he described it as a more heartbreaking defeat than the 2022 semi‑final.
