Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has endorsed Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s comeback to India’s T20I squad following his standout performance for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2026. Bhuvneshwar’s remarkable all-round show, including figures of 4-23 and a crucial six in the final over, impressed Ashwin, who believes the veteran seamer deserves a national recall.
Ashwin praised Bhuvneshwar’s versatility, emphasizing his effectiveness with the new ball, expertise in death overs, and ability to deliver under pressure. The off-spinner commended Bhuvneshwar’s strategic bowling against Mumbai Indians, where he dismantled the top order with precision and adaptability to the conditions.
Highlighting Bhuvneshwar’s selfless approach during the death overs, Ashwin lauded the seamer’s team-first mentality and execution of crucial deliveries. He also acknowledged Krunal Pandya’s resilient 73 runs that anchored RCB’s challenging chase, showcasing effective pressure management skills.
While celebrating RCB’s thrilling win, Ashwin noted areas for improvement for the defending champions as they progress in the tournament. Despite the victory, he suggested potential considerations regarding Romario Shepherd’s performance and the team’s strategic choices moving forward.
