NEW DELHI: Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to international cricket could open the door for a remarkable comeback to India’s ODI squad and potentially take the veteran pacer to next year’s 50-over World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.Bhuvneshwar, who returned to India colours after nearly four years when he was picked for the upcoming five-match T20I series in New Zealand, last played an ODI against South Africa at Paarl in 2022.Ashwin feels the selectors will be watching Bhuvneshwar closely in New Zealand and that a successful series could immediately put him in contention for the ODI side ahead of the World Cup.“He is going to New Zealand now. I am telling you, if he does well, everyone will immediately say, just take him for the ODI team as well. The selectors will be watching very closely,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

‘Nobody can stop’ Bumrah-Bhuvneshwar combination

Ashwin went a step further, saying Bhuvneshwar’s ability to swing the ball and maintain decent pace could make him a valuable option in conditions in South Africa and Australia.“If he swings the ball and shows decent fitness, nobody can stop Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar from sitting together on that flight to the World Cup, with Bhuvneshwar bowling the first ball of the World Cup,” said Ashwin.The 36-year-old seamer has played 121 ODIs and taken 141 wickets. His ability to move the ball both ways, particularly with the new ball, is a skill Ashwin believes could be particularly useful in conditions where seam and swing can play a major role.“Do you want swing? He has swing. If you want it to move one way, he can do that. If you want it to move both ways, he can do that too. And then he has decent pace,” he added.Bhuvneshwar’s recent performances in the IPL have also strengthened his case for an international comeback. He played a key role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s back-to-back IPL titles, taking 17 wickets in the 2025 season and 28 in 2026.

Ashwin highlights one major concern

While Ashwin remains bullish about Bhuvneshwar’s skill set, he stressed that fitness could be crucial if the pacer is to extend his international career and push for a place at the World Cup.“I am once again putting my neck on the line to say this: if he had worked a little harder, if the timing had been right and if he had avoided those injuries, with the skill set he possesses, he could have been a king for India across all formats,” he said.Apart from 21 Tests and 121 ODIs, Bhuvneshwar has played 87 T20Is and taken 90 wickets. His return also gives India another experienced seamer alongside the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, while potentially offering guidance to younger pacers such as Mayank Yadav and Prince Yadav.India will play five T20Is against New Zealand later this month before the tour moves into the ODI and Test phases, giving Bhuvneshwar an immediate opportunity to make a case for a longer international comeback.