“I am at that stage now” : Bhuvneshwar Kumar on not being in Indian setup doesn’t bother him.

Indian fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar finds himself in a unique phase of his cricketing journey. While many might expect him to be solely focused on making a comeback to the national team, Bhuvneshwar is taking a different approach. At 33 years old, he is making the most of his time as a fast bowler and embracing the final phase of his career.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s absence from Team India dates back to the T20 World Cup in Australia in 2022. For nearly a decade, he was a stalwart in India’s white-ball bowling attack, making his debut in late 2012. However, the emergence of talented pacers like Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna has seen him gradually slip down the pecking order.

In March 2023, Bhuvneshwar Kumar faced another setback when he was left out of the central contract list. Furthermore, his absence extended to Team India’s ODI World Cup squad, which was officially announced recently

In a recent interview with The National, Bhuvneshwar Kumar shared his perspective on this phase of his career.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar said “When you are at a stage when you know you are going to play only for a few more years – being a fast bowler – it hits you and you want to enjoy cricket. I am at that stage now.”

Surprisingly, he revealed that the prospect of not being part of the Indian setup doesn’t bother him. Instead, he is focusing on enjoying every moment left as a fast bowler.

“Yes I am not part of the Indian team, but this does not bother me,” he said. “It’s not that I am trying something different or planning anything new to come back. I am just focusing on playing cricket.”

“I am not playing just to make a comeback. I am doing what is needed to play good cricket,” he added. “There might be a chance to make a comeback [to the Indian team]. But that is not my focus. Whatever format or leagues I play, I want to contribute. If things fall into place, I can make a comeback but that is not my sole focus now,” added Bhuvi.