Bhuvneshwar Kumar Credits Family For Helping Him Move Past India Career

Veteran Indian fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar has said he has made peace with no longer being part of the Indian national cricket team, crediting his family for helping him accept the transition. Speaking on the RCB Podcast, the 36-year-old reflected on his journey since his last appearance for India in 2022, saying he no longer dwells on selection decisions and instead focuses on enjoying the game. Bhuvneshwar stated that discussions about cricket rarely take place at home, which has helped him move forward without regrets.

The experienced seamer acknowledged that every player's career eventually reaches a transition phase and accepted that generational change is a natural part of sport. He said that while players who are no longer part of a national team may initially feel they still belong, he understands that such changes are inevitable. Bhuvneshwar added that his family's support has been instrumental in maintaining a positive outlook, allowing him to remain content with his current stage in professional cricket.

Bhuvneshwar also said representing India is no longer the primary motivation behind his career. Having already fulfilled his dream of playing for the country, he explained that any future national call-up would be a bonus rather than a target. Instead, he now plays domestic tournaments and franchise cricket purely because of his passion for the sport. He said maintaining discipline, playing enough competitive matches and balancing his workload with adequate rest have become his priorities as he continues his cricketing journey.

Also Read: Mayank Yadav's Milestone Moment Overshadowed By Missed Hat-Trick Opportunity

Reflecting on his changing perspective, Bhuvneshwar said he now fully understands phrases often repeated in cricket, such as "control the controllables" and "play for the love of the game." He admitted that while he often spoke about these ideas earlier in his career, it is only now, after stepping away from international cricket, that he truly appreciates their meaning. According to him, the absence of pressure associated with national selection has allowed him to rediscover his enjoyment of the sport.

The former India pacer also praised the Indian Premier League (IPL) for transforming the country's fast-bowling landscape. He credited the tournament with identifying and developing talented pacers capable of succeeding at the highest level. Bhuvneshwar further acknowledged former India captain Virat Kohli and former head coach Ravi Shastri for their long-term vision of building a strong pace attack, recalling how even home Test pitches were prepared to assist fast bowlers in order to help the team prepare for challenging overseas tours.

Bhuvneshwar also spoke about the influence of former India fast bowler Praveen Kumar, describing him as an important role model during his formative years. Coming from the same academy, Bhuvneshwar said he learnt more by observing Praveen and other senior players than by asking questions directly. The veteran pacer remains a consistent performer in domestic and franchise cricket, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker in IPL 2026 with 28 wickets in 16 matches at an economy rate of 7.95, highlighting that he continues to contribute at a high level despite being away from the international stage.

Also Read: Patidar Takes Charge as Central Zone Captain For Duleep Trophy