Ravichandran Ashwin appeals to India selectors to recall Bhuvneshwar Kumar after his brilliant spell against MI

Bhuvneshwar, now 36, is currently leading a resurgence that is similar to his famous Purple Cap winning years.

On a Raipur pitch known for uneven bounce and finicky grip, the experienced bowler dismantled MI’s top order with surgical precision. His figures were 4/23 Rohit Sharma Who was dismissed with a trademark, cheating knuckleball, and Suryakumar Yadav Sent for a duck on the first ball.

Ashwin was particularly impressed by Bhuvneshwar’s adaptability, praising his performance in the T20 format.perfect test-match bowling“.

Apart from the wickets, it was Bhuvneshwar’s all-round contribution that led to RCB winning the game. Chasing a target of 167 which had become unnecessarily tight, the fast bowler hit a crucial six in the final over which relieved the pressure, followed by Rasikh Salaam Dar Scored the winning runs.

“Hashtag ‘Bring back Bhuvi’, I would like him to be considered for the T20I team. He ticks all the boxes: lethal with the new ball, disciplined in the final over, and even capable of hitting a six under extreme pressure.,” Ashwin said enthusiastically.

Leadership, logic and RCB’s lead

This victory was not without difficulties. RCB’s chase faltered early on, especially when Virat Kohli Was out for the second consecutive golden duck. to keep it steady Krunal Pandya Bravery was required to score 73 runs in 46 balls. Ashwin praised Krunal’s pressure management, jokingly comparing his efficiency to that of a top-level project manager.

While the win took RCB to the top of the IPL 2026 points table with 14 points, it also ended Mumbai Indians’ playoff dreams.

MI now Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) Joins the teams that have officially dropped out of the race.

Despite the enthusiasm, Ashwin pointed to areas for improvement, particularly on the form of Romario Shepherd. However, he advised the RCB management to remain patient. “When you have the luxury of sitting at the top of the table, you can afford to invest in a player like Shepherd. If he performs in a big game, that patience will pay off,” he added.

As the tournament enters its crucial phase, the story centers around Bhuvneshwar. With 21 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 15.28, the fast bowler is not just leading the RCB attack; He is making a loud, undeniable statement to the national selectors. It remains to be seen whether the Indian team management will heed Ashwin’s appeal, but for now, “Bhuvi” is the undisputed king of swing.