India fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar confirmed on 27 October that he will feature in both the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) as he maps out his next steps following a landmark return to India's T20I setup after nearly four years. The 36-year-old seamer made his comeback in the fifth T20I against the West Indies and has since been part of the ongoing series against New Zealand.

The Comeback and What Came Next

Bhuvneshwar's last appearance for India before this recall was in November 2022, making his return one of the more quietly remarkable stories of the current T20I cycle. Speaking at the post-match press conference after India's six-wicket win over New Zealand in the third T20I at Hnry Stadium, Wellington, the seamer was characteristically measured about what lies ahead.

'It feels good to represent India. I wasn't there for many years,' he told reporters. 'I am feeling good that I've got the opportunity to play for India again.'

Domestic Cricket Back on the Agenda

When asked about a possible ODI return — with the ODI World Cup less than a year away — Bhuvneshwar declined to look that far ahead, but was clear about his immediate domestic commitments. 'I am not thinking too far ahead. Like I did in the last few years. I am happy with what I am getting. Of course, I will play domestic cricket. Whether it is Vijay Hazare Trophy or Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. So I am looking forward to that,' he said.

Bhuvneshwar last played the 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy in December 2023, which also marked his last List A appearance — nearly three years ago. He did participate in the T20 SMAT last season, keeping his domestic presence alive even through the international exile.

The Philosophy Behind the Comeback

The veteran seamer was candid about the mindset that sustained him through the years out of the national setup. 'To tell you the truth, I did not chase it. Yes, it is a dream to play for India. I am very happy to play for India. It is a matter of pride. So I did not know what happened in these four years. Whatever was coming in front of me — the tournaments, the challenges, whatever about cricket, about fitness — I kept doing it,' Bhuvneshwar said.

This patient, process-driven approach mirrors a broader pattern among Indian pace bowlers navigating the transition between T20I cycles, where fitness management and sustained domestic form often matter more than tactical lobbying for recall.

Praise for Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Bhuvneshwar also turned the spotlight onto two of the evening's headline performers. Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi combined for a 133-run partnership in just 7.1 overs, effectively settling a 199-run chase inside the powerplay and sealing the win with 40 balls to spare. 'It's not the first time it's happened. But I think credit should be given to Abhishek for the way he batted. It wasn't easy. Finishing the game in the first six overs in T20 takes a lot of skill, which Abhishek is demonstrating repeatedly. Credit goes to him,' he said.

With the New Zealand series still live and domestic tournaments on the horizon, Bhuvneshwar's immediate future looks busier than it has been in years — and, by his own telling, that is exactly how he wants it.