Bhuvneshwar Kumar: Should selection panel pick the experienced campaigner for ODIs?

Writer Bharath Ramaraj examines whether Indian selectors should recall experienced fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar to the ODI squad ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Following an impressive 2026 IPL campaign where Kumar took 28 wickets and returned to the T20I setup, calls have grown for his 50-over return alongside Mohammed Shami after inexperienced pacers struggled against the West Indies.

However, Ramaraj argues that India should invest in younger bowlers rather than recall Kumar for ODIs. He highlights Kumar's 35.11 ODI career average, a lack of List A cricket for three years, and how modern white-ball conditions limit his traditional swing strengths across 10-over spells.