'You can't just depend on Japrit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya': Ex-India cricketer urges veteran pacers' return ahead of 2027 World Cup
toi
newspoint|05-10-2026
Former India batter Hanuma Vihari has called on the team to bring experienced pacers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami back into the ODI setup. His comments came after India failed to defend 351 against the West Indies in the third ODI, losing by five wickets.
Vihari believes India need more reliable bowling options instead of depending heavily on Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya for wickets, especially with the 2027 ODI World Cup less than a year away.
Bhuvneshwar last played an ODI for India in 2022, with injuries affecting his career. However, the 36-year-old has remained effective in the IPL, taking 45 wickets in 30 matches across the 2025 and 2026 seasons for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
“I think they have to bring Bhuvneshwar Kumar back. In my opinion, he is still one of the best bowlers in the country. He is proving in the IPL," Vihari said on his YouTube channel.
Vihari feels Bhuvneshwar's experience and control with the new ball could give India greater stability. He also believes Shami should return to strengthen the attack.
“You cannot just depend on Bumrah and Hardik. You have to have backup in case of such injuries. I will say go with experience. Get Bhuvneshwar and Shami back," he said. “You will have some security with experience. When you need a breakthrough, you can go to them, and they will do the job for you. You need stability and experience will always count."
‘Team is going backwards’
Vihari described India's failure to defend a total above 350 as a major warning sign. The West Indies chased down 351 in 48.2 overs, exposing concerns about India's bowling, particularly on flat pitches.
“We could not defend 350. Is this not a wake-up call? I think the team is going backwards. This is a big blow," he said.
He also raised concerns over India's backup bowlers after expensive spells from Anshul Kamboj, Gurnoor Brar and Nitish Kumar Reddy.
“The West Indies exposed the Indian bowling attack. They are not even part of the World Cup. Imagine top teams like Australia, South Africa, England," Vihari added.
Vihari believes India need more reliable bowling options instead of depending heavily on Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya for wickets, especially with the 2027 ODI World Cup less than a year away.
Bhuvneshwar last played an ODI for India in 2022, with injuries affecting his career. However, the 36-year-old has remained effective in the IPL, taking 45 wickets in 30 matches across the 2025 and 2026 seasons for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
“I think they have to bring Bhuvneshwar Kumar back. In my opinion, he is still one of the best bowlers in the country. He is proving in the IPL," Vihari said on his YouTube channel.
Vihari feels Bhuvneshwar's experience and control with the new ball could give India greater stability. He also believes Shami should return to strengthen the attack.
“You cannot just depend on Bumrah and Hardik. You have to have backup in case of such injuries. I will say go with experience. Get Bhuvneshwar and Shami back," he said. “You will have some security with experience. When you need a breakthrough, you can go to them, and they will do the job for you. You need stability and experience will always count."
‘Team is going backwards’
Vihari described India's failure to defend a total above 350 as a major warning sign. The West Indies chased down 351 in 48.2 overs, exposing concerns about India's bowling, particularly on flat pitches.
“We could not defend 350. Is this not a wake-up call? I think the team is going backwards. This is a big blow," he said.
He also raised concerns over India's backup bowlers after expensive spells from Anshul Kamboj, Gurnoor Brar and Nitish Kumar Reddy.
“The West Indies exposed the Indian bowling attack. They are not even part of the World Cup. Imagine top teams like Australia, South Africa, England," Vihari added.
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