Never chased India return, Bhuvneshwar ready for domestic grind after NZ T20Is

Bhuvneshwar Kumar never made an India comeback, but two strong IPL seasons earned him another shot at international cricket. Now back in the T20I set-up after four years, the 36-year-old is already looking forward to returning to domestic cricket after the New Zealand series.Bhuvneshwar Kumar is not thinking too far ahead in his international career (AP Photo)New Delhi,Oct 27, 2026 18:45 ISTBrief Scores: India (199 for 4 in 13.2 overs) beat New Zealand (198/3 in 20 overs) by 6 wickets to seal a 3-0 lead in the five-match series. Scorecard | HighlightsBhuvneshwar Kumar is not looking too far ahead after making his India comeback. The 36-year-old pacer is ready to return to domestic cricket after the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand, having made it clear that he never chased a return to the national team.Bhuvneshwar returned to India's T20I side for the first time since November 2022 after two impressive IPL seasons with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Speaking after India's third T20I against New Zealand in Wellington, where the visitors sealed the series 3-0, he said he had focused on playing cricket rather than making an India comeback his goal."To tell you the truth, I did not chase an India comeback. Yes, it is a dream. I am not saying that I am not happy. I am very happy. To play for India, to represent India, it is a matter of pride," Bhuvneshwar said. "So, I am feeling very proud that I made a comeback. But the truth is that I did not chase it. For four years, whatever was coming in front of me, tournaments, challenges, whatever, about cricket, about fitness, I kept doing it. I never thought that I would want to play cricket just for an India comeback."So I think that mentality made things very easy. Luckily, the performances came. I think all the credit goes to the two years of IPL performances. Because of that, an India comeback is happening."BHUVI KEEN TO RETURN TO DOMESTIC CRICKET Bhuvneshwar has no immediate plans to set long-term targets for himself. Instead, he wants to make the most of the opportunities that come his way and continue playing domestic cricket.The pacer said he was looking forward to featuring in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy after the New Zealand series."I am not thinking too far ahead. I am happy with what I am getting. Of course, I will play domestic cricket, whether it is Vijay Hazare or Mushtaq Ali. I mean, I am looking forward to that," he said.His performances in the IPL played a major role in earning him another India call-up. Bhuvneshwar took 17 wickets in the 2025 season before claiming 28 in 2026, helping RCB win back-to-back titles.He had also been called up as cover for the fifth T20I against West Indies in Bengaluru earlier this year after Arshdeep Singh suffered an injury. Bhuvneshwar was named in the playing XI but did not get an opportunity to bowl as rain washed out the match.His return to international cricket has not been easy, though. In the first three T20Is against New Zealand, he has taken just one wicket at an economy rate of 11.58, with the batters making the most of conditions that have favoured aggressive strokeplay.BHUVI PRAISES ABHISHEK, BACKS BOWLERSBhuvneshwar also praised Abhishek Sharma for his attacking approach at the top of the order. The young opener has continued to put opposition bowlers under pressure, but the senior pacer pointed out that finishing a T20 chase inside the powerplay requires considerable skill."It's not the first time it's happening. But I think credit should be given to Abhishek for the way he batted. It wasn't easy. Finishing the game in the first six overs in T20 takes a lot of skill, which Abhishek is demonstrating repeatedly. Credit goes to him," he said.Having spent four years away from the international set-up, Bhuvneshwar has also noticed a change in how batters approach the game. He said players are now more willing to keep attacking instead of taking their foot off the pedal after a big over."The mindset has changed a lot. Earlier, there was a thought that if runs are scored in an over, let's just play out the last one or two balls. But now the mindset change is to just keep going. We cannot take this credit away from them," he said.New Zealand scored 198/3 in the third T20I, with Daryl Mitchell and Bevon Jacobs among the contributors. Bhuvneshwar, however, believes bowlers can still control a game if they execute their plans and bowl to their strengths."I still believe that a bowler can control the game. The reason is that we bowlers feed the ball. The bowler can bowl where he wants to, and after that, it's the batsman's choice. Good bowlers are still doing well and are consistent," he said.India will face New Zealand in the fourth T20I in Auckland on October 30 before the series concludes in Hamilton on November 1.- Ends