Former India opener Sadagoppan Ramesh took an indirect dig at former men's selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar after veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar was recalled to the national team. The upcoming T20I series between India and New Zealand will be a special one as it marks Bhuvneshwar's return to the Indian side. The right-arm pacer, who last played for India in 2022, earned a well-deserved recall after delivering outstanding performances for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL. He played a key role in RCB winning back-to-back IPL titles in 2025 and 2026.
Taking to Instagram, Ramesh cited the examples of batting stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, crediting them with changing the selectors' perception of age in international cricket. Both Kohli and Rohit, despite being over 35, continue to deliver top-class performances for India in ODIs and remain in contention for the 2027 World Cup.
"To come back after four years is amazing. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have sent a strong message that age is just a number. With that, the BCCI and the selectors' thought process have also clearly changed. After the exit of the selector who thought age wasn't just a number, the other members of the selection committee, with the freedom to decide, have picked performance over age with Bhuvneshwar Kumar's inclusion," said Ramesh.
"His bowling was the biggest pillar in RCB winning back-to-back titles. He tormented all the batters with his banana swing. It was clear that he maintained incredible fitness and form. It's why all the fans were pushing for his recall, and finally their prayers have been answered," he added.
Ramesh further stated that Bhuvneshwar's comeback could pave the way for overlooked pacer Mohammed Shami, who last represented India in the 2025 Champions Trophy final.
"Bhuvneshwar Kumar doing well in his return is important for two reasons. The first is just that he's a highly skilled bowler. But the second and more important reason is that if Bhuvneshwar also proves that age is just a number through his bowling, the next stop will be Mohammed Shami, and Shami will get his opportunity," said Ramesh.
