“No Matter How Well You Perform…” – Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s Explosive Dig at Ajit Agarkar’s Selection Panel
Bhuvneshwar Kumar breaks silence on his India snub, hinting at Ajit Agarkar’s selection committee. The pacer says “no matter how well you perform,” selection isn’t guaranteed.
Senior India pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has finally opened up about his prolonged absence from the national side, stating what many see as a veiled dig at the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee.
The veteran seamer, currently leading Lucknow Falcons in the UP T20 League, admitted that while he continues to give his best, his India comeback is not in his control.
“Aapko iska uttar chayanakarta denge (Only the selectors can answer that),” Bhuvneshwar told Dainik Jagran when asked if fans can expect him back in India colours.
“My job is to give 100 percent on the field, and I’m doing that. If I get a chance to play for Uttar Pradesh in Mushtaq Ali, Ranji, or One-Day formats after the UP league, I will give my best there too.”
Bhuvneshwar last played for India during the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia, where India exited in the semi-finals.
Since then, he has been overlooked for nearly three years despite his consistent efforts in domestic cricket and his reputation as one of India’s most disciplined swing bowlers.
With 121 ODIs, 21 Tests, and 87 T20Is under his belt, along with 294 wickets across formats, his omission has left many scratching their heads.
The 35-year-old admitted that luck also plays its part in cricket selection.
“As a disciplined bowler, my focus remains on fitness and line-length. No matter how well you perform, sometimes luck doesn’t favour you,” he said.
On whether Rajeev Shukla’s recent appointment as BCCI interim president would improve the chances of players from Uttar Pradesh, Bhuvneshwar stressed on merit but didn’t rule out opportunities for local talent.
“Your performance is paramount. If someone plays good cricket consistently, they cannot be ignored for long. Even if you’re not selected, focus on giving your 100 percent. The rest is up to the selectors. Yes, with Rajeev Shukla as president, it will be difficult to overlook talent.”
Currently spearheading the Lucknow Falcons in the UP T20 League, Bhuvneshwar remains one of the few Indian fast bowlers with proven success across formats.
