'Never looked for the fruit' - Ashwin on Bhuvneshwar Kumar's India comeback

Ravichandran Ashwin has praised Bhuvneshwar Kumar's mindset following the veteran pacer's return to India's T20I squad for the five-match series against New Zealand, which begins October 22 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

Bhuvneshwar was named in the squad announced on October 6, 2026, nearly four years after his last international appearance for India. Ashwin believed Bhuvneshwar had not actively sought a comeback and that this approach was central to the pacer's success.

"I have a feeling that Bhuvneshwar Kumar hasn't even thought about a comeback. I think this will be his mantra for success. And when I'm watching him from afar, I have also experienced this myself, he has gone on his own journey," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Ashwin added that Bhuvneshwar's focus had remained on performing for his franchise rather than chasing a national recall with the India side.

"That I will do well, I will bowl well with the new ball, I will do well for RCB. Whatever I can do, I should do it. And that's what he did. So the gift he received is the fruit of his success. He has never looked for this fruit. He has done his job and he has got success," Ashwin said.

What prompted Bhuvneshwar Kumar's return to the India squad?

Bhuvneshwar Kumar's last appearance for India came in November 2022 against New Zealand in Napier. The 36-year-old pacer had been out of national reckoning for close to four years before selectors recalled him for the New Zealand T20I series in October 2026.

His performances in IPL 2026 played a significant role in bringing him back into contention. Bhuvneshwar represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026, claimed 17 wickets and was part of the title-winning side. That campaign clearly caught the attention of the selection panel ahead of the New Zealand tour.

What else did Ashwin say about senior players returning and the 2027 World Cup?

On the subject of India's prospects at the 2027 ODI World Cup, Ashwin assessed the team's strengths and identified South Africa as a serious force. The former offie was candid about South Africa's standing ahead of the tournament.

"India has the ability. If Jasprit Bumrah is firing on all cylinders, he will have a good fast-bowling experience. India has a good spin stock. There, in a lot of grounds, you will get the help of spin. There is experience in batting. But I will honestly say that 2-3 teams look good to me. Out of them, South Africa is the best. I think South Africa will be a serious contender for the home World Cup. So India will have to play against the South African team. India is also a very strong team. I think South Africa, in South African conditions, especially after SA20, I think they have the skills, they know all the conditions, they play good cricket and the team looks together. That's a very strong force in cricket," Ashwin said.