Why did Sitanshu Kotak link Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s recall to experience?

Sitanshu Kotak said selectors brought back Bhuvneshwar Kumar for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand because experience can’t be swapped for youth alone. The 36-year-old hasn’t played for India since November 2022, yet he’s taken 48 wickets in 30 IPL matches for Royal Challengers Bengaluru over the past two seasons.

Kotak pointed out how India’s attack looked thin in England once Jasprit Bumrah was missing. The panel weighed recent domestic and IPL form against the conditions in New Zealand, though Bhuvneshwar won’t feature in the second T20I against West Indies on October 9.

Mohammed Shami stays out despite strong domestic numbers, and Kotak wouldn’t speculate on his chances, saying only that selectors will pick on team need.