Sitanshu Kotak credits Bhuvneshwar Kumar's IPL form for India recall

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said Bhuvneshwar Kumar's strong IPL performances and experience earned him a T20I recall for the New Zealand series. The 36-year-old seamer returns after a four-year absence and will play his first international match since November 2022.

Bhuvneshwar took 28 wickets in IPL 2026 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru at an average of 17.89. Kotak noted the veteran's ability to bowl in powerplay and death phases proved decisive for selectors.

Bhuvneshwar will join a squad that includes Mayank Yadav and Prince Yadav. India face New Zealand in five T20Is from October 22.