Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been recalled to India’s team for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which begins on October 24. The bowler last played for India in a T20I in New Zealand in November 2022, about four years after his previous international debut. His selection follows a good performance in the Indian Premier League, as he took 28 wickets for Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s successful championship defence in IPL 2026.
Ravichandran Ashwin has commented in on the selection decision, providing insight into what Bhuvneshwar’s return means for other players looking to re-enter the group. On his show Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin discussed the shift in selection philosophy and its repercussions for players now out of the picture.
Bhuvneshwar’s T20I record, India’s squad for New Zealand
Bhuvneshwar’s career statistics in T20I cricket demonstrate his experience with the game. He has played 87 Twenty20 Internationals for India, taking 90 wickets at an average of 23.10 and an economy rate of 6.96. His comeback to the squad comes after Jasprit Bumrah had been rested for the series. Shreyas Iyer has been selected captain of the 16-member squad, which was revealed on October 6.
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Mohammed Shami’s absence from recent selections has been a topic of controversy since his last participation for India in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in March 2025. Shami has since missed subsequent action due to injury and is yet to make a successful comeback, despite strong performances in the domestic and IPL. His career tally includes 64 Tests, 108 ODIs, and 25 T20Is, with 229, 206, and 27 wickets respectively.
Rohan Mehta covers cricket through detailed analysis, features, player stories, and match insights. His work explores performances, tactics, emerging players, and the bigger stories shaping the game, with a focus on making complex cricket developments engaging and accessible to fans
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