New Delhi: Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin What is requested? Bhuvneshwar Kumar The veteran fast bowler returns to India’s T20I set-up after producing a brilliant all-round performance in Royal Challengers Bangalore’s dramatic two-wicket win. Mumbai Indians In IPL 2026Bhuvneshwar played a part in RCB’s sensational last-ball victory in Raipur on Sunday, guiding the defending champions home in a tense chase before hitting a crucial six in the final over with impressive figures of 23/4.Impressed by the veteran’s impact with both ball and bat, Ashwin said Bhuvneshwar has done enough to deserve another chance in India colours.
‘Hashtag Bring Back Bhavi’“Hashtag ‘BringBackBhuvi’, I would love to see it considered for the T20I team,” Ashwin said on JioStar. “Tick with the new ball, able to complete the death overs well, and if you need a six under pressure, he’s hitting it even in the toughest parts of the ground.”Bhuvneshwar tore apart MI’s top-order with a masterclass in bowling, dismissing Ryan Rickelton, Rohit Sharma and Surya Kumar Yadav during a quick opening spell on surface-offering movement and uneven bounce.‘It was proper Test match bowling’Ashwin was particularly impressed with how quickly the experienced seamer adapted to the situation.“It was the right Test match bowling when he realized there was something on the surface, he keeps testing you as an opening batsman,” Ashwin said.“To get Rohit Sharma out with that peach, a slower ball that just swung, was pretty incredible.”The former India spinner also praised Bhuvneshwar’s selfless manner during the death overs.“And later, he was selfless enough to drive a yorker when he could have gone for the fourth wicket. So happy for him,” he added.Bhuvneshwar’s sensational season continues to gather momentum, with the RCB fast bowler currently leading the race for the Purple Cap with 21 wickets in 11 matches. His economy rate of 7.46 is also the best among the top wicket-takers this season, which highlights his consistency in both taking wickets and controlling runs.RCB’s win over MI took them to the top of the IPL standings while knocking the five-time champions out of the playoff race.
