Six hours a day, 19% to 14% body fat: Inside Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s bid for longevity at 36
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been recalled to the Indian T20I squad at age 36 following a successful period in domestic cricket and the IPL. His return is attributed to a rigorous fitness regimen focused on body composition and strength training.
Why it matters
Highlights the increasing importance of specialized fitness and longevity management in modern professional sports.
On November 22, 2022, Bhuvneshwar Kumar played his last match for India, against New Zealand. Four years later, he has returned to the Indian T20I squad against the same opposition.The recall came on earlier this week, when the BCCI announced India's squad for the five-match T20I series in New Zealand. The 36-year-old’s name was one of the biggest talking points in the 16-member squad.In between were four years without an India call-up, a shift from international regular to domestic leader, and a fitness routine that, according to the man who has worked closely with him, demanded hours every day.A few months before his return, he had taken 28 wickets in 16 matches for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026, finishing as the joint-highest wicket-taker of the season.
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