Sunil Gavaskar backs Bhuvneshwar Kumar for India ODI comeback after T20I return
Gavaskar urged selectors to keep Bhuvneshwar Kumar in ODI consideration if the seamer impresses during the five T20Is in New Zealand.
Sunil Gavaskar said Bhuvneshwar Kumar should be considered for India's ODI squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand if he performs well in the five-match T20I series. The former India captain made the comment after Bhuvneshwar returned to the T20I side for the rain-affected fifth match against West Indies in Bengaluru on Saturday. Gavaskar noted that the pacer's experience would be valuable in New Zealand conditions.
Bhuvneshwar made his T20I comeback after 1,446 days but did not get an opportunity to bowl in the abandoned match. The 36-year-old was added to the squad as cover for Arshdeep Singh and replaced Nitish Kumar Reddy, who was unavailable due to illness. He last played an international match in November 2022.
Mohammed Shami was not included in any of the squads for the New Zealand tour despite consistent domestic performances. The BCCI selection committee has moved on from the Bengal pacer, according to reports, citing fitness concerns. Shami last represented India in the 2025 Champions Trophy.