Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar who had a strong IPL 2026 campaign with Royal Challengers Bengaluru where he claimed 28 wickets and helped the side lift the title is now in Lucknow preparing to captain Lucknow Falcons in the fourth season of the UP T20 League. Speaking to the media, he kept the focus simple. “I just try to perform to the best of my abilities,” he said, underlining a consistent approach that has defined his recent years. There have been talks about Bhuvneshwar making a comeback and comments from senior players suggesting he should return especially with the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.
“Honestly, I can’t answer how ready I am. My job is to play cricket. That’s why I’m here playing the UP T20. not because I want to reach another level or go somewhere else. I play the IPL because I know I have to perform and help my team win, but I’m not playing here just to get picked somewhere or because someone said something,” he told SportsTak.
He also made it clear he is not chasing selection. “What everyone is saying is their opinion. My job is to play cricket. I haven’t come here just with the mindset that I have to excel to move ahead. As I’ve said before, I love the game; I play because I enjoy it.” At the same time, he left the door open without hesitation: “If the call comes, why would I refuse? I am absolutely ready," Kumar added.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar Backs UP T20 League as a Pathway to IPL Opportunities
Bhuvneshwar also highlighted the value of the UP T20 League itself. He sees it as more than a domestic competition. “There are plenty of opportunities even for me to stay in touch and keep myself prepared, and for the young boys to perform well here and step up to the next level. I think it’s a great platform for everyone,” he said.
Pointing to past examples from his own side, he said that players such as Abhinandan and Vipraj used strong performances here to earn IPL contracts. He stated, "Without a doubt, 100%. If you look at our domestic board tournaments. State leagues are the biggest tournaments after them. IPL scouts come here too. If there’s extraordinary talent. Players get picked and go on to perform in IPL teams. So, I think it’s a huge opportunity and platform for everyone.”
For Bhuvneshwar, the coming weeks are about leading Lucknow Falcons, competing hard and enjoying the game he loves. The rest, as he repeatedly stressed, is not in his hands. These comments were made across multiple outlets after he spoke in Lucknow ahead of the UP T20 League.
