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ODI World Cup 2026: Preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup are already in full swing, with more than a year remaining until the tournament itself. The loss to Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup final still pains the Indian team and fans. Indian legends like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are working hard to play in the 2027 ODI World Cup. Discussions about Team India’s squad for the ODI World Cup have already begun. Meanwhile, a star fast bowler has become a topic of much discussion, with calls for his return to the Indian team, as he could prove to be an X-factor for Team India in the World Cup. We’re talking about Bhuvneshwar Kumar… So, let’s find out why Bhuvneshwar is so important to Team India in the upcoming ODI World Cup in South Africa.

South African pitches and Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s ‘swing’ magic

South African pitches are traditionally considered to favor fast bowlers. In Johannesburg, Centurion, and Cape Town, the wind blows strongly in the early overs and the pitches are moist, making them a paradise for swing bowlers. It’s worth noting that Bhuvneshwar Kumar is one of the few bowlers in the world who can swing the new ball both in and out without any additional pace. Therefore, when swing is available on South Africa’s helpful pitches, Bhuvneshwar Kumar can make any batsman his prey.

The art of taking wickets and stopping runs in the powerplay

In ODI cricket, the first 10 overs, or the powerplay, determine the course of the entire match. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has extensive experience bowling with the new ball in the powerplay and taking wickets, and his record is also excellent. Bhuvneshwar’s greatest strength is his ability to swing and bowl at precise lengths, which prevents batsmen from scoring runs. Consequently, when the pressure on the opposition’s openers increases, they play errant shots, and Bhuvneshwar helps provide early wickets. Team India will need Bhuvneshwar to dismantle the opposition’s batting order in the powerplay in South Africa.

A web of variations in the death overs

Bhuvneshwar Kumar is equally dangerous not only with the new ball but also in the death overs (the last 10 overs). Although his speed has hovered around 130-135 km/h for the past few years, he has many weapons at his disposal for the death overs. A master of the knuckle ball, Bhuvi has baffled some of the world’s best batsmen with his skill. On South African pitches, where the ball offers extra bounce, Bhuvi’s slower deliveries and knuckle balls will be extremely difficult for batsmen to anticipate.

There is no substitute for experience under pressure.

In a major knockout tournament like the World Cup, not only skill but also experience in handling pressure is crucial. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has played in numerous ICC tournaments for India since his debut in 2012. Therefore, he possesses a wealth of experience. He can form a bowling unit with the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, capable of handling every situation. The team’s young bowlers will also gain significant confidence from Bhuvi.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s impressive past record in South Africa

Bhuvneshwar Kumar is no stranger to South African conditions. He has played in all three formats of the game for India there – Tests, ODIs, and T20s. During the 2018 tour, he troubled the South African batsmen with his swing and seam movement. Bhuvi knows exactly what length to bowl on pitches in Cape Town or Johannesburg to generate maximum movement. This experience could be extremely useful for the team.

Strengthening the Indian lower order batting

In modern ODI cricket, teams with deep batting are the most successful. The Indian team often lacks a bowler at number 8 who can open the batting for the team when needed. Bhuvneshwar Kumar is a technically very capable batsman. Whenever the team needs 30 or 40 runs, Bhuvneshwar can provide them. Bhuvneshwar has scored several half-centuries in Tests and ODIs. Bhuvneshwar also has the ability to finish matches down the order. As such, he can prove to be a vital cog in Team India’s lower-order batting. Consequently, Bhuvneshwar Kumar could prove to be a crucial player for Team India in South Africa. 

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s statement regarding his return to Team India

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has broken his silence on the ongoing rumours of his return to Team India. Bhuvi said in the RCB podcast, “I have already lived my dream of representing India, so returning to Team India is no longer something I am chasing. Today, I play cricket because I truly love the game. I dedicate myself to training throughout the year, playing in domestic tournaments and the UP T20 League, and also ensure I get enough rest to perform at my best.”