Bhuvneshwar Kumar concedes 49 runs on India return

Bhuvneshwar Kumar stepped back into international cricket after four years and finished with 0 for 49 in the opening T20I against New Zealand. The 36-year-old seamer bowled two no-balls in his four-over spell. Dinesh Karthik, RCB's batting coach, put the lapses down to nerves after such a long break from the national side.

Karthik felt Kumar's opening and closing overs looked sharp, but the middle overs hurt. He asked fans to give the bowler time to settle, noting that two no-balls in one match is rare for him. India chased down New Zealand's 225 for 5 to win by four wickets, with Sanju Samson making 67 and Naman Dhir finishing unbeaten on 42.

Kumar said he kept expectations low while he was out of the side and focused only on the next ball. He credited the IPL and domestic cricket for keeping him match-ready.