Murali Kartik backs Bhuvneshwar's return despite age

Former India spinner Murali Kartik has welcomed Bhuvneshwar Kumar's recall to the T20I side and said age should not block selection if a player remains effective. Kartik told a virtual press conference that he has never believed age alone disqualifies a cricketer, provided the player is not a liability in the field. Bhuvneshwar, 36, earned the call-up after taking 45 wickets in 31 IPL matches for Royal Challengers Bengaluru across the past two seasons.

Kartik noted that Bhuvneshwar's quiet consistency in the IPL, where he was among the leading wicket-takers in 2026, prompted the national clamour for his return. He warned that the comeback will place the seamer under scrutiny and that failure could affect how selectors view older players in future. Success, however, could open doors for other experienced bowlers seeking a second chance.

Bhuvneshwar needs ten more T20I wickets to become the fifth Indian to reach 100 in the format. He will also move within six wickets of 300 international scalps across all formats if included in the five-match series against New Zealand that begins on 22 October.