Bhuvneshwar: 2019 World Cup semi was chaseable; not expecting India recall

Bhuvneshwar Kumar said on Jatin Sapru's YouTube show on 2026-09-15 that India’s 2019 World Cup semi-final loss to New Zealand hurt him more than the 2022 T20 World Cup defeat, and he does not expect a recall to the national side despite strong IPL form.

Bhuvneshwar, who featured in India’s 2019 ODI and 2022 T20 World Cup squads, described the Old Trafford semi-final as particularly painful. India, led by Virat Kohli, were chasing 240 at Old Trafford and lost their top three for just five runs. Ravindra Jadeja made 77 off 59 and MS Dhoni scored 50 off 72 but India still fell short. He last played for India in November 2022 during the T20I series against New Zealand.

Reflecting on the two semi-final defeats, Bhuvneshwar said: "The 2019 semi-final loss was more heartbreaking for me. We were chasing a very normal ODI target, and everyone expected us to win. The England semi-final was different because it was a T20, where anything can happen. The next-day finish in 2019 may have changed things because there was moisture after the rain, but you never know. If the win wasn't written for us, perhaps we wouldn't have won even on the first day," Bhuvneshwar said.

At franchise level, the 35-year-old has been a key figure for Royal Challengers Bengaluru and has led RCB's bowling attack in back-to-back title-winning seasons. He claimed 17 wickets in IPL 2025 and increased that tally to 28 wickets in 2026. In 2026 he finished one wicket behind the Purple Cap winner.

On the prospect of an India return, Bhuvneshwar said he has adjusted his expectations and is not chasing a recall: "I'm not playing to prove anything, but I'd be happy to play for India again," he said. The veteran admitted that while he initially expected another opportunity after his last appearance, he has since made peace with the situation.

Asked whether he thought he would return to the side after the New Zealand tour, he replied: "Till a few series," and explained: "Because I had received a call. What they said, based on that I felt maybe next two series. But then I realised it's not what they said. It wasn't hurtful, because then I knew what was happening, and I made peace with it. It wasn't easy, but family played a big role," he added.

Bhuvneshwar said he first sensed his international career might be winding down during the 2022 T20 World Cup: "In Adelaide it happened. I came to my room and told my wife. I told this from my experience. In the dressing room, everyone was disappointed. There were a few briefs before we left. But when I came back to my room I told Nupur this was my last World Cup. Because what I have seen from my experience, when you lose a tournament like this selectors want to look ahead, and that is fair," he said.

Four years on from his most recent India appearance, Bhuvneshwar says he is no longer waiting for a call; his IPL performances have kept him in public discussion but, he insists, playing for India again would be a bonus rather than something he is actively chasing.