Chennai, Oct 14:
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has said Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to the national T20I squad is a reward for his consistent performances and not the result of a deliberate pursuit of an international comeback. The experienced pacer was recalled after four years for India’s upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, beginning next week.
Ashwin said Bhuvneshwar had concentrated on his responsibilities and continued to deliver for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL rather than worrying about selection. According to Ashwin, the bowler focused on performing with the new ball and doing his job, with success eventually leading to his recall.
Ashwin also said Mohammed Shami could still make an international comeback if he believed in himself and worked hard towards that goal.
Speaking about his relationships with Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli, Ashwin said his bond with Bumrah was largely based on friendly banter. He added that his relationship with Kohli improved after the latter stepped down as captain and was able to focus on his role as a player.
Looking ahead to the 2027 ODI World Cup, Ashwin backed India as a strong contender but identified hosts South Africa as a major threat. He said South Africa’s familiarity with home conditions, experience from the SA20 league and team cohesion could make them formidable opponents.