Image Source: Twitter
Speculation surrounding Bhuvneshwar Kumar's future in international cricket has reached a fever pitch as the star Indian pacer dropped the word "Cricketer" from his Instagram bio. At 33 years old, Bhuvneshwar's recent absence from the Indian squad and his lack of competitive cricket since the IPL in 2023 have fueled rumors of an impending retirement.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar's journey has been a remarkable one, with many milestones to his name. Having last represented India in November of last year, the swing king's exclusion from subsequent home series against BlackCaps and Sri Lanka, as well as the three ODIs against Australia, raised eyebrows. What makes this even more perplexing is the absence of any reported injuries, leaving fans and cricket enthusiasts to wonder about his future in the sport.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar changed his bio from Indian cricketer?? to Indian?? pic.twitter.com/XLKIdcFKO3
— Gaurav Agarwal (@7Gaurav8) July 27, 2023
The curious change in his Instagram bio, where he now identifies simply as "Indian" rather than an Indian cricketer, has only intensified the speculation. Twitter users were quick to notice this subtle alteration, prompting discussions on whether Bhuvneshwar has indeed played his last match for India.
A recent report from TheCricketLounge suggests that Bhuvneshwar Kumar might announce his retirement from international cricket following the India vs. Ireland series. This news has cricket enthusiasts and fans holding their breath, as they come to terms with the possibility of bidding farewell to a legendary bowler.
Adding to the uncertainty, it's also reported that Ravichandran Ashwin, another prominent player in the Indian cricket team, might also consider stepping away from limited overs cricket.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar's recent performances in international cricket have been mixed. While he was included in the T20 World Cup squad in November 2022, his last T20I against New Zealand in Napier was lackluster, as he failed to secure any wickets in the four overs he bowled. His omission from the T20I series against West Indies only added to his woes.
Notably, Bhuvneshwar Kumar's exclusion from the BCCI's contract this year and the possibility of him not being part of the upcoming ODI World Cup have further fueled speculation about his retirement.
Throughout his illustrious career, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been an integral part of the Indian cricket team, representing the nation in 21 Tests, 117 ODIs, and 48 T20Is. His impressive tally of 63 Test wickets, 132 ODI wickets, and 49 T20I wickets has earned him a special place in cricket history. Additionally, he holds the distinction of being the only Indian bowler to achieve five-wicket hauls in all three formats of the game.
Also Read: Is Ireland secure spot in ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024?
As fans eagerly await an official announcement from Bhuvneshwar Kumar himself, they are left to ponder whether it's truly the end of an era for this exceptional cricketer. While retirement may be a bittersweet moment for both Bhuvneshwar and his fans, there's no denying the indelible mark he has left on Indian cricket. His legacy as a swing king and a match-winner will forever be cherished, and his contributions to the sport will be celebrated for years to come.
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