Bhuvneshwar Kumar says he is at peace with life outside India squad
'That’s not something': Bhuvneshwar Kumar on India return," Bhuvneshwar Kumar said. He added that he is at peace with life outside the Indian team and that he now plays cricket mainly because of his passion for the game.
The veteran pacer spoke candidly about the change in his international status and how he has adjusted to that reality. He credited his family for helping him come to terms with the transition away from representing India. Bhuvneshwar also spoke positively about structural factors that have helped Indian fast bowlers, citing the Indian Premier League and the guidance of senior figures. He mentioned Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri by name when discussing contributors to a stronger fast-bowling culture and also recalled the influence of Praveen Kumar.
Bhuvneshwar framed his current relationship with cricket around enjoyment rather than selection pressure, emphasizing the intrinsic motivation that keeps him involved in the sport. His remarks underline a shift from the external validation of national selection to personal satisfaction. The context for that change, he indicated, is the support network around him, with family singled out as pivotal in accepting the new phase of his career.
When reflecting on the broader environment for pace bowling in India, Bhuvneshwar pointed to the IPL as a significant factor. He suggested that the tournament has played a role in exposing and nurturing fast-bowling talent across the country. Alongside the IPL, he credited senior individuals for contributing to a cultural shift that has benefited Indian seamers.
Among those he praised, Bhuvneshwar named Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri, indicating their roles in strengthening resources and attention toward fast bowlers. He framed their influence as part of a collective effort that helped change attitudes and opportunities for pace bowling. The pacer positioned these contributions as complementary to structural developments such as the IPL.
Bhuvneshwar also took a moment to remember Praveen Kumar, acknowledging the latter's impact on his own career and on the fast-bowling landscape more broadly. That recollection served to connect past influences with the present generation of bowlers. His comments suggested a continuity of mentorship and inspiration within Indian seam bowling.
His statements combined a personal acceptance of a new role with appreciation for the systems and people who have aided the development of pace bowling in India. Bhuvneshwar’s emphasis on family support and on the IPL, Virat Kohli, Ravi Shastri, and Praveen Kumar highlights the mix of personal and institutional elements behind that evolution.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s remarks reflect a cricketer at peace with his place in the game, choosing to continue playing for the love of cricket while acknowledging those who helped shape the fast-bowling environment in India.
