Bhuvneshwar won't be pushed to play Tests ahead of T20 World Cup: Reports

India fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar has not featured in a Test since he put in a player of the match performance against South Africa in Johannesburg in January 2018. According to reports, it is believed that his time away from the Test side could be extended, given that the T20 World Cup is just around the corner.

With the experience at his disposal and with his ability to swing the ball many were left disappointed that he was named for the England tour, starting with the World Test Championship (WTC) final against New Zealand in Southampton.

Bhuvneshwar is part of the limited-overs series against Sri Lanka and the team management do not want him to break down by playing Test cricket before the T20 World Cup.

“The board had a discussion with Bhuvneshwar. It has been decided that he won’t be pushed to play Test cricket before the T20 World Cup. He has to first play three-four First-Class games. He hasn’t played the longer format for over three years. There’s a chance of him breaking down if he suddenly resumes playing Test cricket," a BCCI official told TOI.

However, Bhuvi recently said that he does not want to prioritise between red-ball and white-ball cricket, adding that he is happy to play in either if picked.

"To be honest, there is no priority for me whether it's red-ball or white ball, if I am selected in red-ball and I am part of any team, I will definitely try to contribute. I am not looking to prioritise white or red-ball cricket.," said Bhuvneshwar, who has picked up 63 wickets from 21 Tests so far

The India pacer, who picked up three wickets in the two ODIs against Sri Lanka, will be in action in the T20 International (T20I) series starting later today (July 25).