Ravichandran Ashwin Backs Bhuvneshwar Kumar for 2027 World Cup, Says Fitness Is the Only Difference from Shami

Ravichandran Ashwin has urged selectors to consider Bhuvneshwar Kumar for the 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup, stating that fitness is the only difference between him and Mohammed Shami.

Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has called for the return of veteran fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar as India begins preparations for the 2027 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup. Ashwin believes the Indian team should seriously consider bringing back the experienced pacer, arguing that while India possesses plenty of young fast-bowling talent, experience remains equally crucial in major tournaments. According to him, the biggest difference between Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar is fitness, and Bhuvneshwar still has the skills and match-winning ability to contribute at the highest level.

Speaking on his YouTube show ‘Ash Ki Baat’, Ashwin discussed the current state of India’s pace attack in detail. He said the team should begin planning for the 2027 World Cup well in advance and should not rely solely on young bowlers. Instead, experienced players should also be kept in contention. Ashwin emphasized that selectors should prioritize a player’s current fitness, form, and suitability for the team’s requirements rather than focusing primarily on age.

Ashwin said, “Considering the way India’s fast bowling is shaping up, why can’t Bhuvneshwar Kumar be considered? The only difference between Shami and Bhuvi is fitness. I’m not saying he should walk straight back into the Indian team, but he certainly deserves an opportunity. If he is fully fit, there is no reason to ignore him.”

He further praised Bhuvneshwar’s ability to swing the new ball, describing him as one of India’s finest exponents of swing bowling. Ashwin highlighted his capability to build pressure in the opening overs, bowl effectively at the death, and contribute useful runs in the lower order. According to Ashwin, players with such all-round qualities provide valuable balance in major tournaments.

The former India spinner also stressed that World Cups are not won on talent alone. He said experience, mental strength, and the ability to perform under pressure are equally important in high-stakes competitions. In his view, having one or two experienced fast bowlers alongside younger pacers significantly boosts the confidence and stability of the entire bowling unit. For that reason, he believes selectors should not completely close the door on senior players.

Ashwin also referred to Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s recent IPL performances, noting that the veteran pacer had consistently impressed while representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) over the past two seasons. According to the available statistics, he claimed 45 wickets in 30 matches, averaging 21.87 with an economy rate of 8.56. Ashwin said these numbers demonstrate that Bhuvneshwar remains capable of delivering consistently at the highest competitive level.

Commenting on India’s current pace attack, Ashwin acknowledged the presence of bowlers such as Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, and several other promising young fast bowlers. However, he warned that relying entirely on an inexperienced pace attack in a tournament as demanding as the World Cup could be risky. He suggested that the selectors should build a strong pool of four or five fast bowlers well in advance so that the best combination can be chosen based on form, fitness, and playing conditions.

Ashwin further pointed out that the 2027 ODI World Cup, scheduled to be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, is expected to feature conditions favorable to fast bowlers. With pitches likely to offer swing and seam movement, he believes a bowler like Bhuvneshwar Kumar—known for taking early wickets with the new ball—could prove extremely valuable for India. He added that bowlers capable of making early breakthroughs often have the ability to change the course of crucial matches.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar last represented India in an ODI in 2022. Over the course of his international ODI career, he has taken 141 wickets in 121 matches. He was India’s leading swing bowler for several years and played a key role in numerous victories with his disciplined line and length, ability to move the new ball, and effectiveness during the death overs, earning a reputation as one of India’s most dependable fast bowlers.

As India continues to shape its squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup, Ashwin’s comments have reignited the debate over the value of experienced players in modern cricket. It remains to be seen whether the selectors will once again place their trust in veterans like Bhuvneshwar Kumar or continue building the team’s future around a younger pace attack. The upcoming domestic and international assignments are likely to play a significant role in determining that direction.