Former Indian batter Suresh Raina has advised the Indian national selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, to back the veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar for the forthcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2027, which is scheduled to be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia next year.
Bhuvneshwar, who scalped 28 wickets in 16 games in the IPL 2026 season, played a pivotal role in propelling the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise to its second consecutive IPL title win.
Further, he continued his good form in the UPT20 League 2026 season, scalping 14 wickets in 11 games at an economy of 6.11 and bowling 119 dot balls. While his side, the Lucknow Falcons, faltered in the grand finale, the veteran pacer had an exceptional season.
“Bhuvi is a seasoned player and should be in the 2027 World Cup team,” Raina said on the sidelines of the UPT20 League.
“I think Shubman Gill will value the experience of both Bhuvi and Mohammed Shami, and with both Virat and Rohit on the side, this should also be part of their planning,” he added.
“Now it’s up to the selectors to decide what combination they want, whether they will take four specialist pacers or six seamers, including two all-rounders,” Raina stated.
Furthermore, Raina has showered praise on another veteran pacer, Mohammed Shami, highlighting his fitness and bowling rhythm in red-ball games. He went on to advise the national selection committee to have a well-rounded six-bowler pace battery alongside Hardik Pandya for the mega event.
On the other hand, Rinku Singh-led Meerut Mavericks stunned the Bhuvneshwar Kumar-led Lucknow Falcons in the UPT20 League 2026 final. Thus, Raina backed Rinku to emerge as the new KKR captain.
“Rinku has proven big-match temperament and tactical acumen, and I urged KKR to consider him for the captaincy,” he concluded.
