Ajinkya Rahane Backs Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s India Return

Ajinkya Rahane has thrown his weight behind Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s surprise return to the India setup, suggesting the veteran seamer could still have a role in the long-term build-up to the ICC ODI World Cup 2027. With India recalling the 36-year-old for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, the move has quickly sparked talk about whether the experienced pacer is being considered for more than just a short-term comeback.

Rahane sees experience as India’s biggest asset

Bhuvneshwar’s return comes after nearly four years away from the national team, a spell in which he continued to stay relevant through consistent performances in the IPL and domestic cricket. For Rahane, that persistence matters just as much as form.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Rahane pointed to the right-armer’s renewed rhythm and the value of experience in difficult conditions. “Now the ball is coming better out of his hands than before,” Rahane said. “The experience that you get from him will always be useful. In a place like New Zealand, in such conditions, his experience will be very useful; it will come in handy.”

The message was clear: Bhuvneshwar is not being brought back only for sentiment. India, according to Rahane’s reading, may be rewarding a player whose skill set remains useful in pressure situations and overseas conditions.

Could the recall lead to a World Cup conversation?

Rahane went a step further and hinted that the selectors may already be thinking about the 2027 ODI World Cup. While the immediate assignment is the T20I series against New Zealand, the broader selection picture appears to be taking shape around experience, balance, and depth in pace bowling.

“Since he has been brought in the team, they must have thought of something. They must have talked about the World Cup, that if he does well now, there is a chance for him at the World Cup,” Rahane said. He also added that India head coach Gautam Gambhir would likely value having a bowler with Bhuvneshwar’s control and game awareness.

That speculation is important because India have not yet announced their ODI squad for the New Zealand tour. Even so, the T20 recall has already opened the door to wider discussions about whether Bhuvneshwar can be part of the 50-over conversation again.

Why the selectors may have turned to him

India’s pace options have been under the spotlight, especially with Jasprit Bumrah rested for the New Zealand T20Is and younger quicks still developing at the international level. In that context, Bhuvneshwar’s ability to swing the ball and maintain control in the powerplay makes him a logical short-term fit.

His return also reflects a broader selection philosophy. Rather than relying only on emerging names, the selectors appear willing to bring back players who have shown they can still contribute at the highest level. That balance between youth and experience could become important as India continue preparing for major tournaments.

“Well done to Bhuvi, but well done to the selectors as well,” Rahane said, praising both the comeback and the decision behind it.

A comeback that sends a message

Rahane admitted he did not expect Bhuvneshwar to be recalled, but he said the comeback was well earned. After three to four years of hard work away from the spotlight, the pacer’s persistence has now been rewarded with another chance in national colours.

He also believes the decision could motivate other senior cricketers still grinding in domestic and franchise cricket. “They will still feel motivated and will believe that they can also make a comeback,” Rahane said, underlining the wider impact of the selection.

For India, the recall is about more than one player. It is a sign that form, discipline, and experience still matter. For Bhuvneshwar, it is a chance to turn a comeback into something bigger.

What happens next?

The immediate focus will be the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, where Bhuvneshwar will look to justify the faith shown in him. If he delivers, the conversation around a possible ODI return could grow stronger, especially with the 2027 World Cup now entering early planning discussions.

For now, the veteran pacer has already achieved the first major step: he is back in the India team, and one of his former teammates believes there may be even bigger plans ahead.