Ashwin: Bhuvneshwar’s India recall was reward for performance, not a chase
Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel on 2026-10-13 that Bhuvneshwar Kumar's recall to India's five-match T20I squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand was a reward for his performances rather than something he actively pursued. Ashwin described the pacer's approach as concentrating on his work for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) rather than chasing an international comeback.
Bhuvneshwar's selection for the T20I squad marked his return to the national side after four years, a recall Ashwin attributed to the fast bowler's focus and consistency in the IPL. "I have a feeling that Bhuvneshwar Kumar hasn't even thought about a comeback. I think this will be his mantra for success. And when I'm watching him from afar, I have also experienced this myself, he has gone on his own journey," Ashwin said. Ashwin added that Bhuvneshwar "has focused on doing well, bowling well with the new ball and performing for RCB. Whatever he could do, he did it. His recall is the reward for his success. He never chased that reward; he simply did his job and success followed."
Ashwin also addressed questions about Mohammed Shami's prospects of returning to the India side, saying a comeback depended on the player's belief and hard work. "It depends on the cricketer. If a player has the belief that he can return, then they have to work hard towards it," he said.
Ashwin's comments were delivered after his retirement from international cricket; he played 106 Tests for India before retiring from international cricket in December 2024. He used his channel to reflect on current players as well as his own relationships within the team.
On personal bonds, Ashwin described his rapport with Jasprit Bumrah as largely built around humour and light-hearted exchanges. "My relationship with Jassi is very good. We always joke and pull each other's legs. There isn't much conversation between us as cricketers, so our relationship is very banter-oriented," he said, and he added that his relationship with Virat Kohli improved after Kohli stepped down as captain and could focus on his role as a player.
Turning to major tournaments, Ashwin backed India to be contenders at the 2027 ODI World Cup while cautioning that hosts South Africa would present a strong challenge; he cited India’s spin options, fast-bowling attack and batting experience as factors in the team’s prospects. "India has the ability. If Jasprit Bumrah is firing on all cylinders, he will have a good fast-bowling experience.
Bhuvneshwar's inclusion places him in India’s squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, the immediate fixture referenced in Ashwin's remarks.
