Mohit Sharma hails Bhuvneshwar's "consistency" after Team India recall; terms Bumrah as Indian team's "luxury"
Former pacer Mohit Sharma praises Bhuvneshwar Kumar's consistency after his India recall and calls Jasprit Bumrah a luxury for Indian cricket.
Former Indian speedster Mohit Sharma has lauded the long-awaited return of Bhuvneshwar Kumar to the national squad, citing the veteran's unwavering dedication as the primary reason for his comeback. Speaking on the 'Swing King's' recall for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand, Sharma emphasized that Kumar's journey serves as a masterclass in perseverance for the next generation of cricketers.
A Reward for Relentless Consistency
After a hiatus from the international stage following the 2022 T22 World Cup semi-final, the 36-year-old Bhuvneshwar Kumar has finally earned his spot back in the Indian side. He is set to feature in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand starting October 22.
Mohit Sharma, who has witnessed Kumar's journey closely, noted that the veteran never let his guard down, even when international opportunities were scarce. Whether it was through the domestic Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the UPT20 League, or his impactful performances in the IPL, Kumar remained a constant force.
"Youngsters should learn from this how important consistency is in life. Because when you think that something is not coming and you leave all the effort, it does not work. You have to sign a contract with yourself, a non-negotiable one where you promise to give your 100 per cent... This is the story with Bhuvi," Sharma told ANI.
Kumar's recent domestic and franchise form has been nothing short of stellar. During his recent stint with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), he played a pivotal role in their back-to-back titles in 2025 and 2026. In the most recent IPL season, he emerged as the second-highest wicket-taker, claiming 28 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 7.95.
The Statistical Dominance of the Swing King
Bhuvneshwar Kumar's career statistics reflect his enduring quality in the game:
- Total Matches: 229 across all formats
- Total Wickets: 294
- Bowling Average: 29.50
- Five-Wicket Hauls: 7
Jasprit Bumrah: The 'Luxury' of Indian Cricket
While discussing the bowling landscape, Mohit Sharma also turned his attention to Jasprit Bumrah. Addressing concerns regarding Bumrah's limited involvement in One Day Internationals (ODIs) ahead of the 2027 World Cup, Sharma defended the management's approach to the pace superstar.
Describing Bumrah as a "luxury" for Indian cricket, Sharma compared the bowler to high-end clothing that must be handled with care to prevent unnecessary wear and tear. He suggested that instead of criticizing Bumrah for missing specific series, the focus should remain on his long-term preparedness.
"He is a luxury for Indian cricket. When you wear luxurious clothing, you do not wear it daily to avoid wear and tear," Sharma explained. "In all three formats, I don't think there is a bigger bowler than Bumrah. His physios, trainers, and dietitians know all the details about his body. They know how to move him forward."
Bumrah's recent outings, including his performance during the Asian Games in Japan where he helped India secure a gold medal, suggest that he remains in peak condition despite his selective participation in the ODI format.