Former Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) cricketer Tirumalasetti Suman made a bold remark on Bhuvneshwar Kumar ahead of the New Zealand tour. The veteran pacer made a much-awaited comeback, being named in the T20I squad for the upcoming New Zealand series.
With the next T20 World Cup to be held in Australia and New Zealand in 2028, Suman reckoned that Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to the T20I squad may be a strategic move. He recalled how former pacer and current Gujarat Titans (GT) head coach Ashish Nehra also played his last international match when he was 38. Therefore, he reckoned it was possible for Bhuvneshwar to also play the T20 World Cup in 2028 despite being 38 at that time.
“It is a fantastic decision. I think the selectors have thought about it. In 2028, the upcoming T20 World Cup is happening in Australia and New Zealand. So it is a great opportunity to test his fitness. If he lasts till the World Cup, he will be 38 years. Ashish Nehra played his last T20 match at the age of 38. So why not Bhuvi?,” he reflected in a video on his YouTube channel.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is currently 36. However, with his consistent performances and a comeback, he has proven that age is just a number.
“This is thoroughly deserving and I love this selection” – Tirumalasetti Suman on Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s comeback
Tirumalasetti Suman reckoned that Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s comeback was well-deserved. He pointed how the veteran pacer has been consistent in the IPL since he played his last international match in 2022. Suman also highlighted the pacer’s skills that made his selection a deserving pick.
“What a story! 36-year-old Bhuvneshwar Kumar makes a comeback into the India T20 squad. Exactly 4 years ago, in November 2022, he played his last international match in New Zealand and now, he is going to New Zealand again. He has played 4 IPL seasons since then. If we add up all those 4 seasons, Bhuvi is the highest wicket-taker for Indian bowlers. He has bowled match-winning spells. That too with the new ball in powerplay, on flat pitches, wickets in middle overs, yorkers in end overs, economical, everything. This is thoroughly deserving and I love this selection,” he said.
In the last four IPL seasons, he has picked up the most wickets among Indian bowlers. He has 72 wickets from 60 matches at an average of 27.32 and an economy rate of 8.63.
Edited by Rishab Vm
