Indian batter Hanuma Vihari has backed Bhuvneshwar Kumar to make a comeback into the ODI team after his return to T20I format. Kumar has been added to India’s T20I squad for the series against New Zealand and Vihari reckons the veteran seamer can comeback into the ODI squad.
Kumar bagged 28 wickets in 16 matches of IPL 2026 and had played an instrumental role in taking Royal Challengers Bengaluru to glory. The swing master has performed consistently in the recent past and also scalped 14 wickets in 11 matches while leading Lucknow Falcons in UP T20 League 2026.
Vihari said India would need experienced players like Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the ODI World Cup 2027.
“I think the World Cup dream for him is still alive. This is the right time to bring him back. Now it is New Zealand, and South Africa is the next destination for him. I am not saying all this because he is my personal favorite, but Team India needs experience and that is where he will make the difference,” Hanuma Vihari said in a video on his YouTube channel.
The 32-year-old said this is the beginning for Bhuvneshwar and he will eventually return to the ODI squad for the World Cup.
He added, “Bhuvneshwar Kumar is back. He is going directly to New Zealand. I think this is just the start. He will not be limited to T20s. He will definitely be there in the 50-over World Cup too. Whoever selected him, credit to them. Experience will count. The World Cup is in South Africa. It will definitely count. This is the first step. It is clear that there is a flaw in the bowling right now.”
Vihari hailed Kumar for playing a key role in RCB’s success and added he would strengthen India’s squad with his presence.
“Going into the World Cup, you need experience and that is why Bhuvneshwar is really important. India’s bowling is strengthened a lot with his return. I think his bowling with the new ball made the difference in the IPL. RCB was always about batting. But with Bhuvi, and the rest of the bowling attack, they won back-to-back championships. Credit to him. He did not give up. He kept pursuing, he kept striving, he kept working hard and bowling tough overs and kept taking wickets to get here,” he said.
Kumar would look to be at his best against the Kiwis.
