Bhuvneshwar Kumar recalled to India T20I squad after 1,425-day absence
Bhuvneshwar Kumar returns to the India T20I side after nearly four years as Shreyas Iyer highlights the veteran's experience and recent IPL form.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar returns to India's T20I squad for the five-match series against New Zealand starting on Thursday in Christchurch. The 36-year-old last played in the format in November 2022 and missed 104 consecutive matches before being named as an emergency replacement for the injured Arshdeep Singh ahead of the fifth T20I against West Indies, which was washed out.
India captain Shreyas Iyer backed the recall, saying Bhuvneshwar brings experience the side has lacked after the IPL. The seamer took 28 wickets in 16 matches for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026 at an average of 17.89 and economy of 7.95. He needs 10 more T20I wickets to become the fifth Indian bowler to reach 100 in the format.
Iyer said the conditions in New Zealand suit pace bowling and the squad would need time to acclimatise before the series opener at Hagley Oval. Bhuvneshwar has taken 90 wickets in 87 T20Is for India at an average of 23.10.
CricHubb Take
Bhuvneshwar's new-ball impact in the IPL has been measured at 225 runs saved over four seasons, a figure that could prove decisive if New Zealand's early-season pitches offer swing and seam movement.