Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif has urged the selectors to pick in-form Bhuvneshwar Kumar in India’s T20I team after the swing bowler had a dream run in IPL 2026. Kumar returned with impressive figures of 2-29 in his quota of four overs and played a key role in restricting Gujarat Titans to 155 in the IPL final on Sunday. 

The experienced seamer accounted for in-form Sai Sudharsan with a short delivery and also dismissed Jason Holder. Kumar ended IPL 2026 with 28 scalps in 16 matches at an average of 17.89 and an economy rate of 7.95. 

Thus, the experienced seamer played an instrumental role in taking RCB to glory as he came up with consistent performances throughout the season.

Kaif reckons Vaibhav Suryavanshi might have to wait for his chances despite scoring 776 runs in the season.

“A lot of people must get a comeback, but the squad is only of 15, and only 11 can play. Vaibhav may have to wait, but there seems more chance in bowling. Siraj is there around Bumrah, but that third or fourth bowler is not there. So if there is such a quality bowler, who has spent his life with the same line and length, showing the same intent, big players repeat the same thing for years, and Bhuvneshwar comes in that category. His skill set and economy and wickets, two years back-to-back- what more can a guy do? If he is getting wickets and performing his role for the team, then age should not define him,” Kaif said on his YouTube channel.

The former UP batter said Kumar has been thriving under pressure and deserves a lot of credit for the way he has been bowling.

“Playing for a team like RCB, Bhuvneshwar has lost all the fear. He will not crumble under pressure now. He is also a massive key in this victory. His contribution is there in the two titles. There is no doubt that his comeback should happen. He knows what to bowl when against which batter and has the skill set,” he stated.

Kumar would look to continue the good show in the domestic circuit.