Ashwin backs Bhuvneshwar's T20I return after all-round IPL heroics vs MI
Synopsis
Bhuvneshwar Kumar's display in RCB's thriller against MI — 4 for 23 with the ball, then a six under pressure — has reignited the case for his T20I return. Ashwin's public backing carries weight: it signals that India's selectors should reconsider a veteran whose skill set spans the powerplay, death overs, and clutch batting. At a time when T20I bowling depth remains a question, Bhuvneshwar's all-round value may be too valuable to leave on the sidelines.
Key Takeaways
Bhuvneshwar Kumar took 4 for 23 and smashed a match-winning six as RCB beat MI by two wickets in IPL 2026 on Sunday .
Ravichandran Ashwin publicly backed Bhuvneshwar's return to India's T20I setup, praising his all-round impact.
Bhuvneshwar dismissed Rohit Sharma , Ryan Rickelton , and Suryakumar Yadav in a superb opening spell on a seam-friendly pitch in Raipur .
Ashwin highlighted Bhuvneshwar's ability to execute yorkers at death and perform under pressure with the bat.
Ashwin also praised Krunal Pandya's 73 as a masterclass in pressure management during RCB's chase.
Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has called for Bhuvneshwar Kumar's return to India's T20I setup after the veteran seamer delivered a match-winning all-round performance in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's dramatic two-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026. Playing in Raipur on Sunday, Bhuvneshwar took 4 for 23 with the ball before smashing a crucial six in the final over to help RCB complete a tense chase on the last ball.
Bhuvneshwar's standout bowling spell
Bhuvneshwar dismantled Mumbai's top order with a superb opening spell, removing Ryan Rickelton, Rohit Sharma, and Suryakumar Yadav on a surface offering seam movement and uneven bounce. Ashwin particularly praised the veteran's ability to quickly recognise conditions and adapt, noting that Bhuvneshwar shifted from conventional pace bowling to Test-match discipline once he identified what the pitch offered. According to Ashwin, the dismissal of Rohit Sharma — a slower ball that swung away — exemplified the quality on display.
Why Ashwin backs a T20I recall
Ashwin highlighted Bhuvneshwar's complete skill set: effectiveness with the new ball, competence at death bowling, and the mental toughness to execute under extreme pressure.
Point of View
Combined with his ability to contribute with the bat, addresses a real gap. However, the question remains whether one IPL performance, however stellar, is enough to overturn a national team's balance sheet. Selectors will likely want to see consistency before committing to a recall.
NationPress
11 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Ravichandran Ashwin calling for Bhuvneshwar Kumar's T20I return?
Ashwin believes Bhuvneshwar has demonstrated all the skills required for T20I cricket: effectiveness with the new ball, proficiency at death bowling, and mental toughness to execute under pressure. His all-round display — 4 for 23 and a match-winning six — in RCB's victory over MI exemplifies this complete skill set.
What did Bhuvneshwar Kumar do in the RCB vs MI match?
Bhuvneshwar took 4 for 23 in RCB's opening spell, dismissing Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton, and Suryakumar Yadav on a seam-friendly pitch in Raipur. Later, he smashed a crucial six in the final over to help RCB complete a tense two-wicket chase on the last ball.
How long has Bhuvneshwar Kumar been out of India's T20I squad?
The article does not specify the exact duration of Bhuvneshwar's absence from the T20I setup, but it indicates he is a veteran seamer being considered for a comeback after his IPL performance.
What did Ashwin say about Bhuvneshwar's bowling against Rohit Sharma?
Ashwin praised the dismissal of Rohit Sharma as 'quite incredible,' describing it as a slower ball that swung away. He noted that Bhuvneshwar demonstrated Test-match bowling discipline once he recognised the seam-friendly conditions.
Did RCB's other players impress Ashwin in this match?
Yes, Ashwin also highlighted Krunal Pandya's 73 as a masterclass in pressure management. Despite battling cramps, Krunal counterattacked effectively against both pace and spin to keep RCB alive during a difficult chase.
