Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag has put his weight behind Bhuvneshwar Kumar to make a return to India’s T20I team after impressing one and all in the recently concluded IPL 2026. Kumar returned with impressive figures of 2-29 in his quota of four overs and played a key role in restricting Gujarat Titans to 155 in the IPL final on Sunday. 

The experienced seamer accounted for in-form Sai Sudharsan with a short delivery and also dismissed Jason Holder. Kumar ended IPL 2026 with 28 scalps in 16 matches at an average of 17.89 and an economy rate of 7.95. 

Sehwag reckons Kumar should be given a run of 10 T20I matches for the Indian team and he should be given a longer run if he performs well.

“Who got out to Kagiso Rabada today? Devdutt Padikkal? Bhuvi will be abusing him the most today. If he had not got out to him, then Bhuvi would have got the Purple cap. My take is that, if you are picking Bhuvi for the Indian team, then you will be setting an example that even if you are out of the side, you will get a chance to make a comeback irrespective of your age, if the performances are there. There is nothing bad in that. I am not saying that he should play the next World Cup, but atleast play him in the next 10 T20Is, and if he performs, then keep him, otherwise, drop him,” Sehwag said on Cricbuzz.

On the other hand, former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary said players who are performing well should be given their chances in the national team.

“What happens in your country is that there is always talk of transition and building teams for the next 4-5 years. But my opinion is that whoever is playing well, and is fit, the team should use him at that time and make the most of it to win trophies. But now that he has lost his place in the team at this age, and wins the Purple Cap, but don’t remain in Team India’s talent pool, then it becomes quite difficult to make a comeback. But gold is gold,” Manoj Tiwary said.

Kumar would look to carry the good form in the domestic circuit.