Veteran Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has revealed that he has come to terms with no longer being part of the national team, saying his family’s unwavering support has helped him accept the transition without regret. The 36-year-old, who last represented India in 2022, admitted that while leaving the national setup was not easy, he now views it as a natural phase in every cricketer’s journey.
Speaking on the RCB Podcast, Bhuvneshwar said his family deliberately avoids discussing cricket or his chances of making an India comeback. According to him, that approach has allowed him to maintain perspective and move forward without dwelling on selection disappointments.
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“I am at peace, and I give credit to my family. At home, we never talk about cricket or whether I will return to the Indian team. That has helped me a lot, and I have no regrets,” he said.
The swing bowler acknowledged that it is difficult for any player to move on after being a key member of the national side, but stressed that generational change is inevitable in sport.
“When you’re a core member of the team, everyone says the team comes first. But once you’re out, you naturally feel you still belong there. I understand transitions are part of the game, and I know I’m not the first or the last player to go through this,” he added.
Bhuvneshwar said representing India is no longer the primary motivation behind his career. Instead, he continues to play because of his genuine passion for cricket. The experienced seamer remains active in domestic competitions and franchise cricket, ensuring he stays match-ready while balancing his workload with adequate recovery.
“I’ve already achieved my dream of playing for India. If another opportunity comes, that’s great, but it’s no longer something I chase. Everything I do now is driven by my love for the game,” he said.
Reflecting on his evolution as a cricketer, Bhuvneshwar admitted that he now fully understands phrases such as “control the controllables” and “play for the love of the game”—concepts he had often heard earlier in his career but only truly appreciates now.
The veteran also credited the Indian Premier League for transforming India’s fast-bowling landscape. He praised former India captain Virat Kohli and ex-head coach Ravi Shastri for backing a long-term vision that prioritised building a world-class pace attack. He recalled how even home Test pitches were prepared to aid seamers in order to better prepare the team for challenging overseas tours.
Bhuvneshwar also paid tribute to former India pacer Praveen Kumar, saying he learnt valuable lessons simply by observing his senior at their shared academy. Watching Praveen train and compete helped shape the bowling fundamentals that continue to serve him throughout his career.
Despite no longer wearing the India jersey, Bhuvneshwar remains a force in domestic and franchise cricket. He finished IPL 2026 as the tournament’s second-highest wicket-taker, claiming 28 wickets in 16 matches at an impressive economy rate of 7.95, underlining that he still has plenty to offer on the field.
