India’s heavy 10-wicket defeat to England in the T20 World Cup 2022 semifinal proved to be a turning point for many players. While most of them managed to make their way back into the T20I setup, two big names did not return – KL Rahul and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. For the veteran pacer, that semifinal in Adelaide, where he conceded 25 runs in just two overs, turned out to be his last T20I appearance. Since then, Bhuvneshwar has been missing from India’s squads across all formats. Even though he enjoyed a strong outing with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025, where he picked up 17 wickets in 14 matches, the selectors have not called him back. Despite that, the 35-year-old is not giving up on his dream. “I am enjoying my bowling. I haven’t thought about retirement yet. As long as I am fit, I will keep playing. The rest is the job of the selectors,” Bhuvneshwar said.

Currently, the pacer is turning out for Meerut Mavericks in the Uttar Pradesh Premier League 2025. He has taken nine wickets in eight games so far, maintaining an economy rate of just 6.76. His plan is simple – to keep performing in domestic cricket and let the selectors decide his future. “The selectors will answer this question. My job is to give 100 percent on the field. After the UP League, if I get a chance in Mushtaq Ali, Ranji or one-day format for UP, I will give my best there too. As a disciplined bowler, my focus is always on fitness and line-length. No matter how well you perform, sometimes luck does not favour you,” he added. Bhuvneshwar was signed by RCB for Rs 10.75 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction. While his international comeback remains uncertain, the seasoned pacer is determined to keep going as long as his body allows him to.