Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been recalled to India’s T20I squad for the five-match series against New Zealand, ending an absence of approximately four years from international cricket. The BCCI announced the squad on October 6, 2026, with the series scheduled to begin on October 22, 2026, at Hagley Oval in Christchurch and conclude on November 1, 2026, in Hamilton.
Bhuvneshwar’s last T20I appearance came on November 22, 2022 against New Zealand in Napier, while his last ODI was on January 21, 2022 against South Africa. His most recent 50-over cricket was the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2023 for Uttar Pradesh. In IPL 2026, he took 28 wickets in 16 matches for RCB at an economy rate of 7.95, which preceded his national recall.
The squad is led by Shreyas Iyer, with Tilak Varma as vice-captain. Jasprit Bumrah has been rested for the series. Pragyan Ojha is serving as interim chief selector following Ajit Agarkar’s exit.
What did Ajinkya Rahane say about Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s recall?
Former India batter Ajinkya Rahane reacted to Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s selection, highlighting Bhuvneshwar’s consistency and commitment over the past several years in domestic and IPL cricket, and noted that the recall could serve as motivation for other players in a similar age bracket.
“Frankly, I was not expecting this, but I am really happy for Bhuvi. When it was announced, I was so happy that I can’t even tell you. We have played a lot of cricket together, and I want to congratulate the selectors for making such a call. This shows that the other players in that age group of 36 to 38 years, will still feel motivated and will believe that they can also make a comeback,” Rahane said on his YouTube channel.
Rahane also elaborated on what he believes sets Bhuvneshwar apart, lauding his commitment and work ethic to keep going despite not being part of the India side for a few years.
“Look at the way he has been playing for the last 3-4 years. The passion and the intensity with which he was playing in the IPL and in domestic cricket, we all saw that. We know that he always gives his 100 percent. He never showed it. Many times what happens is that when a player is dropped, you get disappointed, but he just kept doing his work. It is not an easy task to make a comeback at the age of 36,” Rahane said.
What did Rahane say about the World Cup angle in Bhuvneshwar’s selection?
Rahane further offered a broader perspective on the selection, suggesting that the decision to bring Bhuvneshwar Kumar back was made with the 2027 ODI World Cup in mind. He pointed to Bhuvneshwar’s experience as a key factor, particularly for conditions in New Zealand, and indicated that head coach Gautam Gambhir would value having a seasoned bowler available.
“Now the ball is coming better out of his hands than before. The experience that you get from him, will always be useful. In a place like New Zealand, in such conditions, his experience will be very useful, it will come in handy. Well done to Bhuvi, but well done to the selectors as well. Since he has been brought in the team, they must have thought of something. They must have talked about the World Cup, that if he does well now, there is a chance for him at the World Cup. I am sure Gautam Gambhir wishes that he has an experienced bowler like him,” Rahane said.
