Bhuvneshwar Kumar says he would be 'absolutely ready' for India recall to ICC Cricket World Cup 2027
On August 10, 2026, Bhuvneshwar Kumar said he would be "absolutely ready" if picked for India's squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027, in a recent interview while joining Lucknow Falcons ahead of the Uttar Pradesh T20 League.
The Uttar Pradesh T20 League 2026 is scheduled to start on August 14 with Kashi Rudras meeting Meerut Mavericks at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, and the competition will feature 34 matches with the final set for September 7. Organisers say the tournament will pair emerging players with those who have represented India, and Bhuvneshwar, 36, has been named captain of Lucknow Falcons.
Discussion over a possible India recall for Bhuvneshwar has intensified as India prepare for the ODI World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, tournaments described in reports as likely to feature seaming and bouncy conditions where fast bowlers will play an important role. The coverage notes India tried several fast bowlers before settling on a preferred bowling combination and that Jasprit Bumrah and Harshit Rana are among the first-choice pacers on the team. Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri and former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin have spoken publicly about Bhuvneshwar's potential value in those conditions.
Asked directly about a return to the national side, Bhuvneshwar replied, "Why would I say no if I get a call? Absolutely ready." He then added, "Honestly, I cannot say exactly how ready I am. My job is to play cricket, and that is why I have come here to play in the UP T20 league. I didn’t come here with the intention of moving to another place or reaching another level."
Reports credit the 36-year-old with recent form and the ability to swing the ball both ways, and note his contributions in franchise cricket: he played a key role in helping Royal Challengers Bengaluru win the last two IPL seasons and took 28 wickets in IPL 2026. Media coverage also cites his domestic List A record as 173 matches, 219 wickets at an economy rate of 4.85.
On his reception from former players, Bhuvneshwar remained measured, saying, "What everyone is saying is their opinion. My job is to play cricket. I didn’t come here with the sole aim of doing well or advancing to the next level." He last represented India in an ODI in January 2022 against South Africa.
Bhuvneshwar will lead Lucknow Falcons in the Uttar Pradesh T20 League; Lucknow's opening game is scheduled for August 15 against Gaur Gorakhpur Lions, following the tournament's August 14 start at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, with the final on September 7.