Ashwin says Bhuvneshwar return is good for Indian cricket

Ravichandran Ashwin said Bhuvneshwar Kumar's recall to the India T20I squad is good for Indian cricket after the seamer took 28 wickets in 17 IPL matches last season. Ashwin credited Bhuvneshwar's ability to swing the ball both ways and his work on fitness during his time with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The 36-year-old will make his first T20I appearance since the 2022 series against New Zealand when India play the fifth match against West Indies in Bengaluru.

Ashwin noted that Bhuvneshwar could also return to the ODI side if he maintains fitness on the New Zealand tour, where two new balls will allow him to bowl with the new ball for longer spells. He said the selection reflects a willingness to back proven performers who have maintained their standards in domestic cricket.

Bhuvneshwar was added to the T20I squad after Arshdeep Singh suffered a shoulder injury in the fourth match against West Indies.