Former Team India bowling coach Bharat Arun has shared his views on the veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s comeback to the Indian T20I side for the forthcoming New Zealand tour, scheduled to commence later this month.
Speaking to a select media on Sony Sports Network, Arun asserted that the ace pacer should be judged based on his performances during the T20I tour of New Zealand before making a call on his future for the ODI World Cup 2027.
“As far as Bhuvneshwar Kumar goes, I wouldn’t be thinking too far ahead. Yes, he’s been picked on form. He’s a fantastic bowler, as everybody knows. Everyone knows what he’s capable of. And it’s how he fares right now that’s really going to matter,” Bharat Arun said in a select media interaction organised by Sony Sports Network.
“The case of Bhuvneshwar Kumar is not his ability, it is how fit he is going to be to play continuously over the next one and a half years to be eligible for the World Cup. But right now, I would look at only things under my nose. New Zealand Tour is the biggest test, and I’d look at it, and before I decide on what we’re going to do with the rest,” he added.
Further, Bharat Arun sounded confident enough in Bhuvneshwar being fit enough to be playing for the next couple of years for the Men in Blue, adding that the conditions are quite favourable for somebody like him.
“Long term is how long are you looking at? You’re looking at a year and a half. If you ask me, yes, Bhuvneshwar is fit enough to be playing for the next couple of years. And as he’s shown, his form and also his ability to move the ball are fabulous. Also, the experience would come into play a long, long way in Bhuvneshwar doing well,” Bharat Arun noted.
“Even in South Africa, the conditions are quite favorable for somebody like Bhuvneshwar Kumar. And if you ask me, yes. His recent form and the way he’s bowling, he’s worked his way into the team. I’m not looking too far ahead; at least for the next one to one and a half years, Bhuvneshwar is still good enough for me,” he concluded.
