Lucknow: Cricketer-turned-commentator Suresh Raina has made a passionate appeal to the Indian selectors to consider veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar for the 2027 ODI World Cup. He also backed Rinku Singh for the KKR captaincy.Bhuvneshwar had a glorious IPL 2026, taking 28 wickets in 16 matches and playing a crucial role in helping RCB lift the trophy for the second time. He also performed brilliantly in the UPT20 League, taking 14 wickets in 11 matches at an economy rate of 6.11 and delivering 119 dot balls. However, his team, Lucknow Falcons, faltered at the final hurdle.Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing UP T20 League, Raina hailed the tournament as a premier platform for domestic talent, crediting its success to the star power of local legends Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rinku Singh, along with the efforts of the organisers. “Bhuvi is a seasoned player and should be in the 2027 World Cup team,” he said.Highlighting Team India’s need for experienced bowling options in foreign conditions, Raina insisted that Bhuvneshwar’s mastery of swing and control makes him an indispensable candidate for the 2027 ODI World Cup, scheduled to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.“I think Shubman Gill will value the experience of both Bhuvi and Mohammed Shami, and with both Virat and Rohit in the side, this should also be part of their planning,” he added.“Now it’s up to the selectors to decide what combination they want—whether they will take four specialist pacers or six seamers, including two all-rounders,” Raina said.Raina also highlighted Mohammed Shami’s current form, praising his fitness and rhythm across domestic multi-day formats such as the Duleep Trophy. He advised the selection committee to construct a well-rounded six-pacer unit, including seasoned campaigners alongside all-rounder Hardik Pandya.Highlighting Rinku’s leadership display in the UPT20 League, Raina also suggested that the KKR management consider Rinku for a leadership role. “Rinku has proven big-match temperament and tactical acumen, and I urged KKR to consider him for the captaincy,” he said.
