India has called up medium-pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar for a five-match T20I series against New Zealand beginning October 24. The 36-year-old returns after a nearly four-year layoff, with his previous T20I playing in New Zealand in November 2022. The BCCI selection committee, led by Pragyan Ojha, decided to reinstate him in the squad.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar was recalled after a strong IPL 2026 campaign with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Throughout the tournament, he took 28 wickets at an economy rate of 7.95, finishing as the franchise’s second-highest wicket-taker as it successfully defended its title. His league performance was decisive in the selecting committee’s choice.
Recognition for performance and character.
After nearly four years of waiting, Karthik believes Bhuvneshwar should look forward to the rest of his international cricket career.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar T20I career highlights his top-level experience.
The pacer has played 87 T20Is, taking 90 wickets with a 23.10 bowling average and a 6.96 economy rate. These statistics show his consistency and effectiveness in the short format throughout his international career.
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Aside from Bhuvneshwar Kumar, India has added three other fast bowlers to the squad: Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, and Mayank Yadav, with seam-bowling all-rounders Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shivam Dube.