Bhuvneshwar Kumar recalled to India T20I squad after four-year absence
Kumar earns a T20I return after strong IPL form and improved fitness following recurring injuries.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar returns to India's T20I squad for the five-match series against New Zealand after a four-year gap. The 36-year-old last represented India in November 2022. He finished the 2026 IPL with 28 wickets for Royal Challengers Bengaluru and worked with strength coach Surya Yadav to rebuild his fitness and restore outswing.
Varun Chakravarthy also returns after recovering from a side strain, while Ravi Bishnoi has been left out. Jasprit Bumrah will miss the series as he prepares for upcoming ODI and Test assignments. India begin the tour in Christchurch on October 22.
Selectors are reportedly assessing Kumar's fitness as part of broader planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup, with concerns over the current pace bowling options prompting the recall.
CricHubb Take
The recall exposes the thinness of India's current pace bowling options and suggests selectors are already thinking beyond the immediate T20 series toward the 2027 ODI World Cup.