Here is the exact reason why Bhuvneshwar Kumar is excluded from the Test squad for England tour.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s exclusion from the Test squad, that will face New Zealand in the final of the ICC World Test Championship and England in the five games Test series, left everyone stunned despite performing so well in his comeback limited-overs game. A source close to the BCCI explained the exact reason why he was excluded.
The 31-years old pacer has not played a single first-class game in the last three years. His last test assignment came against South Africa back in 2018 at Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.
Due to multiple injuries Kumar is always seen out of the side although he has worn limited overs outfit multiple times for India in these years.
“The selectors think that he is still not fit to play the long format, especially on such a long tour,” a source was quoted as saying in The Times of India.
India is scheduled to play six tests in a three months long marathon tour for which the contingent will board a flight on June 2. Pacers with the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma have been picked up.
India’s assignment with England will begin on 4th August while the final Test will begin on 10th September.
Bhuvi has featured in 21 tests after his debut back in 2013. He has also scalped 63 wickets with four five wickets haul.
Also the pacer had recently won the ICC Player of the Month award for his impressive exploits against England in the limited overs leg in the month of March.
“After what seemed like a really long and painful gap, I was delighted to be playing for India again. I used the time away to work on my fitness and skill and I am happy to be back taking wickets for my country,” Bhuvneshwar was quoted as saying.
“I would like to thank each and every person who helped me in this journey starting from my family and friends and my teammates. Also, a special thank you to the ICC voting academy and all the fans who voted for me and made me the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for March,” he added.
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