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Kaif Backs Bhuvneshwar Kumar For India Comeback After Stellar IPL Show

Former cricketer Mohammed Kaif has publicly advocated for Bhuvneshwar Kumar's return to the Indian national team following the pacer's impressive performances for RCB in the IPL. Kaif emotionally recalled how, as a 17-year-old, Bhuvneshwar announced himself by dismissing Sachin Tendulkar for a duck in a Ranji final. In the recent match, Bhuvneshwar's spell of 3/26 helped dismantle the Delhi Capitals' top order during the powerplay. Despite being 36 and last playing for India in 2022, Kaif believes the swing bowler still has the skill to trouble the best batsmen.

Key Points: Kaif Backs Bhuvneshwar Kumar For India Comeback

  • Kaif recalls Bhuvneshwar's teenage debut
  • Bhuvi took 3/26 vs DC, has 10 IPL wickets
  • He is 2nd bowler to reach 200 IPL wickets
  • Last played for India in 2022 T20 WC
3 min read

"India comeback? Why not": Kaif backs Bhuvneshwar after heroics for RCB

Mohammed Kaif hails Bhuvneshwar Kumar's IPL form, recalling his debut and suggesting a national team return. Analysis of his recent performance.

"India comeback? Why not, Bhuvi still has it in him - Mohammed Kaif"

New Delhi, April 18

Former Indian cricketer Mohammed Kaif has hailed veteran Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar following his heroics against the Delhi Capitals and noted that the pacer is still swinging the ball and troubling top batsmen.

The former cricketer wondered if an India comeback is possible.

During a chase of 176 runs, Bhuvneshwar took down DC batting in the power play and reduced them to 18/3. He ended his spell with three wickets, conceding just 26 runs in four overs. During this IPL, Bhuvneshwar has been sensational for the defending champions, taking 10 wickets in six matches at an average of 20.00 and an economy rate of 8.33.

This edition of the tournament also saw him join Yuzi Chahal to become the first-ever pacer and overall second bowler to complete 200 IPL wickets.

In a post on social media, Kaif recalled how Bhuneshwar announced himself as a teenager and got Sachin Tendulkar out for a duck in the final.

"There are moments when one gets emotional. Watching Bhuvi bowl so beautifully today brought back memories of the days when he was just 17. I was the UP captain, and was impressed by his control and swing. But selectors said he was too young. I insisted. Bhuvi made his Ranji debut, got Sachin Paaji for duck in the final. He's 36 now, still troubles the best of batsmen with his swing. India comeback? Why not, Bhuvi still has it in him," he posted.

Bhuvneshwar debuted for India in 2012 and last donned the Blue colours back in 2022 during the T20 World Cup in Australia. In 229 international games for India, Bhuvneshwar took 294 wickets at an average of 29.50, with seven five-fors to his name and best figures of 6/82.

In 87 T20Is for India, he took 90 wickets at an average of 23.10, with two five-wicket hauls to his name and best figures of 5/4. The semifinals against eventual champions England, which India lost by 10 wickets, was his last appearance in Indian colours.

With this win, DC has climbed to the fourth spot with three wins and two losses, giving them six points. RCB is in second place, with four wins and two losses, giving them eight points.

When RCB was put to bat first, they could put up just 175/8 in 20 overs, with Phil Salt (63 in 38 balls, with four boundaries and three sixes) being the only massive contributor as wickets fell regularly. Lungi Ngidi, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel took two wickets.

Fifties from KL, Stubbs (60* in 47 balls, with four boundaries) and finishing from Miller (22* in 10 balls, with a four and two sixes) guided DC to a brilliant win.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in India, I love seeing veterans shine. But respectfully, we also need to look to the future. We have young pacers like Arshdeep and Avesh who are doing well. A comeback might block their path. Bhuvi is a legend, but maybe his role is now to mentor the next generation in the IPL.
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Priyanka N
That story about getting Sachin sir out in a Ranji final! 😲 What a journey. Bhuvi has always been about skill over raw pace. In swinging conditions, he's still our best option. Hope the selectors are watching. His experience in a big tournament would be invaluable.
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Rahul R
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is proving that form is temporary, class is permanent! 200 IPL wickets is no joke. He's swinging it both ways like a dream. If he stays fit, why not? We need bowlers who can bowl in the powerplay and death. He can do both.
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Aman W
Let's be practical yaar. He's 36. International cricket is different from IPL. The last memory in Indian colours was that 10-wicket loss to England where our bowling was taken apart. We need to move on and build a team for the next cycle. His place is secure as an IPL legend though!
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Kavya N
Swing king is back! 🏏 His economy rate of 8.33 this season is fantastic on these flat pitches. It's not just about wickets, it's about control. When he bowls, the match feels in control. That's a quality we

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