Veteran fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar made a sensational return to the Indian national setup after nearly four years away from international cricket as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday named a 16-member T20I squad for the upcoming five-match series in New Zealand.
That rain-affected fixture ended in a tie via the DLS method. Following that tour, the Indian management pivoted toward a younger pace transition, leaving Bhuvneshwar on the sidelines across all international formats. Bhuvneshwar Kumar last played for India on November 22, 2022, in the third T20I against New Zealand at McLean Park in Napier. 5/4 in a masterclass spell against Afghanistan in Dubai (2022 Asia Cup).
The decision to recall Bhuvneshwar hinges on workload management and conditions. With key front-line pacers rotated ahead of critical Test Championship fixtures and the ODI calendar, the team management required a seasoned leader for an otherwise young pace attack consisting of Arshdeep Singh, Mayank Yadav, and Prince Yadav. New Zealand’s breezy, seam-conducive conditions play right into Bhuvneshwar’s wheelhouse.
His late outswing with the new white Kookaburra and composure in tight run-chases provide the Shreyas Iyer-led side with experienced control as the 5-match tour gets underway.
