Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif recalled how a young Bhuvneshwar Kumar impressed him when the latter joined the Uttar Pradesh team. Kumar made his first-class debut under Kaif’s leadership when he was only 17-year-old.
Kaif said Kumar never had a physique of a fast bowler and has surprised him after having such a long and successful career. Kumar was added to India’s T20I squad for the series against New Zealand on Tuesday.
The UP seamer 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.
“He was 17 when I saw him first. I never knew he would have such a long career. A lot of credit goes to him and his skill set. He never had the physique of a fast bowler. He does not look like one at all. Such a bowler has set such a great example. The biggest thing that I noticed in him was that he had the swing and seam as well. I am very happy to have been a small part of his career,” Kaif said in a video on his YouTube channel.
The Natwest Trophy final hero said Kumar’s return to the T20I team is an inspiration for many players.
“His comeback will set the example that you must never give up. Whenever people think of giving up, Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s name will be taken. This is not only a comeback but also sets a trend,” he added.
Kaif praised the selectors for rewarding Kumar a place in the Indian team after consistent performances in the recent past.
“I want to praise the selectors also here. I think this was the most difficult call. When Agarkar was there, maybe those who made this call were not at the top. As soon as Ajit went, they showed that their thinking is different, that they will reward performance and not go by age. A lot of credit goes to them. Saying that a player is aged when he is performing is a big scam. Saying you are looking at the future is a big scam. You do not know about the future. There is no bigger scam than this. No one knows what will happen tomorrow either. When you have an experienced and in-form player, you have to reward him. This was a big call,” he said.
India’s tour of New Zealand starts on October 22 with the first T20I at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval.
