![\"I'll](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-133078356,imgsize-31858,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/133078356.jpg\" "\\"Bhuvneshwar")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\nAfter a hugely successful IPL where his pace paved the way for Royal Challengers Bengaluru\u2019s fine title run through the season, Bhuvneshwar Kumar<\/a> is currently sweating it out in the nets here for the upcoming UPT20 league, where he will spearhead Lucknow Falcons\u2019 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\u2019s 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\u2019s 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, \u201cI\u2019m here to play, and that\u2019s what I\u2019m doing. My job is to play cricket; judging how prepared I am isn\u2019t something that I focus on.\u201cI haven\u2019t come to play in the UPT20 League because I want to get picked somewhere or move to another level. I\u2019m playing simply because I want to play,\u201d the plain-speaking Bhuvneshwar said, \u201cAs for what the senior and veteran players are saying, that\u2019s their opinion. For me, I enjoy playing and I love cricket. My job is only to play, and I\u2019m here for the UPT20 League.\u201cHow prepared I am is not for me to decide; the rest is the selectors\u2019 call,\u201d he added.The 36-year-old, one of Uttar Pradesh\u2019s 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<\/a> 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.\u201cThere\u2019s still plenty of time, and a lot of cricket to be played before that. I can\u2019t say right now whether I\u2019ll play first-class cricket or not, but my aim is to keep playing as much cricket as I can,\u201d 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\u2019s tradition of producing fast bowlers such as Praveen Kumar<\/a>, RP Singh, Sudip Tyagi and himself, Bhuvneshwar said the speed hunt initiative could help strengthen the team\u2019s pace resources.\u201cFirst-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,\u201d Bhuvneshwar said.<\/div>\n