“That’s why a Prince Yadav has got a look in” – Former Indian cricketer’s huge take on team management ahead of Ireland and England T20I series

Former Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin expressed no surprise at veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s exclusion from the T20I squads for the upcoming Ireland and England series. The 36-year-old enjoyed an IPL 2026 season for the ages, finishing as the second-leading wicket-taker with 28 scalps at an average of under 18 and an economy of 7.95 in 16 matches.

Bhuveshwar’s heroics helped the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) capture a second IPL title in a row. As a result, there were massive expectations of the seasoned pacer possibly returning to the Indian T20I squad.

However, Ashwin believes the current Indian management has set a precedent of going with youngsters, leading to the inclusion of uncapped seamer Prince Yadav over Bhuvneshwar.

Ashwin said on ESPN Cricinfo after the squads for the upcoming Ireland and England T20Is were announced (4:17):

“It was always going to be difficult for Bhuvneshwar Kumar because of the precedent set with Mohammed Shami, who didn’t make the cut after his injury. From that, it was clear that they were looking at younger bowlers. That’s why Prince Yadav has got a look in, and I like that. It’s saying that they want to move away from all the so-called old crop of seniors.”

Yet, Ashwin believes experienced players must still be granted the opportunity for a comeback in the side, saying:

“I would love to think otherwise also because T20 cricket deserves experience, reworking on your skills, and adapting time and again. So hopefully they revisit that aspect of selections where if there is a senior cricketer reworking on his game, they must be given an opportunity to come back.”

Prince Yadav shone among the young uncapped pacers in IPL 2026, finishing with 16 wickets at an average of under 29 in 14 outings.

When did Bhuvneshwar Kumar last play for India in any format?

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been out of the Indian white-ball sides for almost four years. The 36-year-old last played for India in the T20I series in New Zealand in November 2022.

His latest ODI appearance also came earlier in 2022 in a bilateral series in South Africa. Meanwhile, Bhuvneshwar has been out of the side for even longer in the red-ball format, with his last Test appearance coming way back in South Africa in 2018.

Despite his extended absence from the Indian sides, Bhuvneshwar has consistently delivered admirable performances in the IPL. The champion seamer has picked up over 15 wickets in three of the last four IPL seasons.