Supporters of an ignored Indian star lamenting his “unfair, destroyed career” when he returns with a five-wicket haul for the Ranji Trophy

On Friday, Bhuvneshwar Kumar made a grand entrance back into India’s biggest domestic red-ball competition, which he had not participated in for six years. At the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur, Bhuvneshwar spearheaded Uttar Pradesh’s comeback against Bengal, taking five wickets on the first day of play. Bengal was limited to 95/5 at Stumps by Bhuvneshwar, who got a five-for after UP was bowled out for 60 in their first innings. The 33-year-old took the wickets of Sudip Kumar Gharami and Sourav Paul to begin his stint, respectively. He then removed Anustup Majumdar, skipper Manoj Tiwary, and Ishan Porel.

He has claimed five wickets and all of the Bengal wickets that have fallen so far. A magnificent spell from @IDFCFIRSTBank | #RanjiTrophy | #UPvBEN

Keep track of the game at https://t.co/yRqgNJxmLY pic.twitter.com/Dqu0OgJMk0

— January 12, 2024, BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic)
For the record, Kumar was last seen playing against South Africa in 2018 and has not been a member of India’s Test team since then. Almost six years have passed since his last Test match in Johannesburg.

Supporters have pleaded with the selectors to give Bhuvneshwar another opportunity ahead of India’s five-match Test series against England, which begins later this month. This is particularly since opener Mohammed Shami is out with an injury.

Here are a few responses:

Discover why you destroyed Bhuvi’s career, BCCI. Imagine if he played in England would be Better than Jimmy Anderson…

— January 12, 2024, Himanshu Gupta (@IamHimanshgupta)

Please return to the test side.

— @Vicky1297064394, Goodwill 12 January 2024

Bhuvi deserves another opportunity. He’s being treated unfairly by selectors.

— January 12, 2024, Umran Malik Extra (@157KPH)
Speaking of the match, Bengal skipper Manoj Tiwary had won the toss and elected to bowl first in Kanpur.

The only players to reach double digits for Uttar Pradesh were captain Nitish Rana, Aryan Juyal, and Samarth Singh.

Mohammad Kaif, who bowled 4/14 for Bengal, was the best bowler, with two wickets taken by Ishan Porel and three by Suraj Jaiswal.

On the first day, bowlers dominated, Bengal took the lead by 35 runs thanks to an unbeaten 37 from Shreyansh Ghosh.