Kris Srikkanth backs Bhuvneshwar Kumar for India comeback ahead of Asia Cup 2025

Former Indian opener Kris Srikkanth has put his weight behind Bhuvneshwar Kumar to make a comeback into the Indian team for the Asia Cup 2025. Kumar took 17 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 28.41 and an economy rate of 9.28 for RCB in IPL 2025.

Thus, the experienced seamer played an instrumental role in the franchise’s first successful season in the tournament. The swing master returned with figures of 2-38 in his quota of four overs in the all-important final against the Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. The fast bowler accounted for Nehal Wadhera and Marcus Stoinis.

Kumar has all the experience under his belt but he played his last T20I against New Zealand in November 2022.

In 87 T20I matches, the Uttar Pradesh fast bowler has scalped 90 wickets for India at an impressive economy rate of 6.96. Kumar can get the new ball to swing both ways, and he can also nail yorkers and slower balls in death overs.

Kris Srikkanth said on his YouTube Channel, “I might think about it [bringing Bhuvneshwar back] because he’s been doing brilliantly. In all fairness, yes he did not bowl well in the 2022 T20 World Cup semifinal, but he did well before that. He hasn’t played for India after that, but has been doing very well in the IPL.

“I don’t know why people don’t look at him at all. Bhuvi is an outstanding new ball bowler. I think Bhuvi should be looked at very seriously,” the 65-year-old added.

India’s Asia Cup squad will be announced on Tuesday by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel in Mumbai.