After a hugely successful IPL where his pace paved the way for Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s fine title run through the season, Bhuvneshwar Kumar is currently sweating it out in the nets here for the upcoming UPT20 league, where he will spearhead Lucknow Falcons’ charge.En route to becoming the first pacer to take 200 wickets in the IPL, and finding praise for his effective Powerplay bowling with subtle variations alongside his swing this season, Bhuvneshwar showed he’s a chip off the old block with 28 scalps – 17 in the Powerplays – with an economy rate of 8.It immediately drew notice with even calls for him to be reinstated in India’s white ball set-up.Asked if he missed the India blue jersey or if he was eyeing for the 2027 World Cup, the seasoned right arm pacer told TOI, “I’m here to play, and that’s what I’m doing. My job is to play cricket; judging how prepared I am isn’t something that I focus on.“I haven’t come to play in the UPT20 League because I want to get picked somewhere or move to another level. I’m playing simply because I want to play,” the plain-speaking Bhuvneshwar said, “As for what the senior and veteran players are saying, that’s their opinion. For me, I enjoy playing and I love cricket. My job is only to play, and I’m here for the UPT20 League.“How prepared I am is not for me to decide; the rest is the selectors’ call,” he added.The 36-year-old, one of Uttar Pradesh’s most experienced cricketers, continues to remain a key figure in Indian domestic cricket. He last played for India in 2022, featuring in both ODI and T20I formats. His last international appearance in Tests came in 2018.A stalwart for the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association, Bhuvneshwar has taken 231 wickets in 72 Ranji Trophy matches in the first-class circuit. He last played a Ranji Trophy match in 2024 against Mumbai.Asked on his possible participation in the upcoming Ranji season, Bhuvneshwar said there was still time before making a decision.“There’s still plenty of time, and a lot of cricket to be played before that. I can’t say right now whether I’ll play first-class cricket or not, but my aim is to keep playing as much cricket as I can,” the veteran pacer said.Last season, Uttar Pradesh struggled with a lack of depth in the pace department, following which the UPCA launched a speed hunt programme to identify and develop fast-bowling talent across the state.In hoping to continue with Uttar Pradesh’s tradition of producing fast bowlers such as Praveen Kumar, RP Singh, Sudip Tyagi and himself, Bhuvneshwar said the speed hunt initiative could help strengthen the team’s pace resources.“First-class cricket is a big season. Many fast bowlers got injured, and the lack of bowlers was visible. Through the speed hunt, we have found a bunch of pace bowlers from across the state. They were also seen in the UPT20 League, and one of the scouted players became the uncapped highest bidder in the mini-auction. Through this initiative, UPCA will nurture young pace talent. It will help in the domestic season,” Bhuvneshwar said.
