Bhuvneshwar Kumar Once again the Royal Challengers have emerged as a key figure in Bengaluru’s IPL 2026 campaign, sparking fresh talk of a possible return to the Indian team. After playing a pivotal role in RCB’s title-winning season last year, the veteran fast bowler has continued his impressive form this season as well.Bhuvneshwar has already bagged 21 wickets in 11 matches and is central to RCB’s strong title defence, with the franchise currently top of the points table and needing just one win from their remaining three games to confirm play-off qualification.
With fans and pundits increasingly clamoring for his return to the national team, Bhuvneshwar remained calm about the growing speculation. Reflecting on his long journey and achievements in Indian cricket, the veteran fast bowler said he is currently not focusing on a comeback or long-term ambitions, instead choosing to stay grounded and focus on contributing to his team.“I’m not thinking about returning to India. I’ve stopped maintaining or making long-term goals, it’s been years, because whenever I did, it didn’t do me any good. I’m happy that I’ve played 200 matches and taken so many wickets, in the powerplay and at the death. I think it’s all a reward for what I’ve done over the years. I haven’t felt anything good over the years and I’m not feeling anything bad right now. Especially. But, I’d be lying if I said that once I stop playing, I think it’s pretty normal.The veteran fast bowler produced his best performance of the season during RCB’s thrilling win. Mumbai Indians On May 10. Named player of the match, Bhuvneshwar tore through Mumbai’s top order to finish with figures of 23/4 in his four overs. His key spell included the wickets of Rohit Sharma and Surya Kumar Yadav in the same over, which put MI under a lot of pressure at the start of the chase. He also made a decisive contribution with the bat in the tense final moments of the game. With RCB needing nine runs off the last three balls, Bhuvneshwar hit Rajangad Bawa for a crucial six before Bengaluru cruised to a dramatic two-wicket victory off the last ball.
