Bhuvneshwar Kumar is making headlines once again ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. The senior pacer has been impressive in white-ball cricket in recent times and has gained support from numerous ex-cricketers, including Ravichandran Ashwin, for his inclusion in the Indian side for the 2027 0D1 World Cup. But his stats in South Africa continue to be a huge issue.

India are in the midst of an overhaul in their pace attack. Mohammed Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar have been out of the one-day set-up for a while now; Mohammed Siraj's absence has also become a concern. Jasprit Bumrah is currently undoubtedly India's biggest guns, though the long periods of injury scares have dented the fast-bowling stocks considerably.

Young pacers such as Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Prince Yadav, Arshdeep Singh and Gurnoor Brar have shown promise, but they are still somewhat raw, with a big ICC tournament to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

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Bhuvneshwar's impressive overall one-day international record proves why so many continue to advocate for a second chance. In 121 ODIs, the right-arm quick claims 141 wickets at 35.11, with a best of 5/42. Times when Bhuvneshwar's mastery of swing, skill and control in critical moments have bowled India to victory are numerous.

His excellent IPL 2026 season with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru reinforced his credibility. This was evident when he took 28 wickets in 16 games, at an average of 17.89, to show he still possesses the talent to trouble the best batters out there in world cricket.

However, if we look at his numbers in South Africa, they paint a very different picture. In the 8 ODIs played there between 2013 and 2022, Bhuvneshwar managed to pick just 2 wickets, conceding 400 runs at an average of 200.00, and his economy rate also increased to 6.66 while bowling in South Africa.

On the brighter side, the statistics from his time in Zimbabwe are promising. He has claimed five wickets in three One Day Internationals at an average of 16.00, with the notable figures of 4/33.

Now the selectors must decide. Do they go with the experience and current form of Bhuvneshwar, or do they throw their full weight behind the new generation? He looks as if he has a lot left in the tank, but his record in South African conditions is quite worrying.