Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar shines in the UP Premier League 2025 and remains hopeful for an India comeback, despite being overlooked by selectors.

England’s ten-wicket victory over India in the quarterfinals of the T20 World Cup 2022 had a big impact. There were many changes, but most of the players managed to return to the T20l team. KL Rahul and Bhuvneshwar Kumar were the only two who couldn’t. The fast bowler conceded 25 runs in two overs at the Adelaide Oval. That same year, he played his last T20I match against New Zealand. Since then, he hasn’t played for India in any format.

Even though the veteran pacer had great games in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) first Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, selectors have continued to overlook him. But he isn’t ready to retire yet.

“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.

Bhuvneshwar is now playing in the 2025 Uttar Pradesh Premier League. He has gotten nine wickets in eight games this season, with an average of 20.67 and an economy rate of 6.76 runs per over. He wants to play for Uttar Pradesh in all formats during the next domestic season. Thereafter, it’s up to the selectors to choose whether or not he can play for India again.

“The selectors will answer this question. My job is to give my 100 percent on the field and I am giving it. After the UP League, if I get a chance to play for the state’s senior teams in Mushtaq Ali, Ranji or one-day format, I will try to give my best there too. As a disciplined bowler, my focus is on my fitness and line-length. No matter how well you perform, sometimes luck does not favour you,” the 35-year-old said.

On September 3, Bhuvneshwar will play again when the Lucknow Falcons face off against the Gaur Gorakhapur Lions in the Eliminator match.