business · 2026-10-17
Bhuvneshwar back in India T20 squad
Photo: via The Economic Times
India picked a 36-year-old swing bowler for the New Zealand T20 series after four years. He earned the spot through strong IPL form, not sentiment.
Why did BCCI recall Bhuvneshwar Kumar at 36?
Bhuvneshwar Kumar was recalled at 36 because selectors shifted toward valuing his proven swing skill after he took 45 IPL wickets over two seasons for RCB. Ajit Agarkar, the former chief selector whose committee favored youth, left and eased his return; Rudra Pratap Singh, once his new-ball partner, supported it. The selectors decided artistry beats age.
Why pick an old swing bowler for T20s?
His skill, not his age, won him the spot. He took 45 wickets for RCB across two recent IPL seasons, with 28 in the second at an average of 17.89. A new selection committee, after Ajit Agarkar's departure, decided his proven swing bowling mattered more than youth.
Is India A a demotion for Pant?
It's a recalibration, not a demotion. Pant is still in India's plans, but the selectors want him to play his way back into form in multi-day matches, where he can rebuild his reputation as a wicketkeeper-batter. He's also selected subject to fitness.
What does Bhuvneshwar's return say about Indian cricket?
It says that in T20 cricket, supposedly a young man's game, there is still room for artistry. Bhuvneshwar's skills, like inch-perfect outswingers that kiss the outside edge and sudden in-cutters, mattered more than his age. The selectors finally decided that skill matters more than age.
Why are Pant and KL Rahul in India A, not T20Is?
They are in the India A squad for three multi-day matches against New Zealand A, essentially a Test preparation squad. Selectors are prioritising the longer format for Pant and Rahul, grooming them for Tests rather than picking them for the T20I series. Pant's selection is also subject to fitness.
What did Bhuvneshwar do to earn a recall?
Bhuvneshwar Kumar earned his recall through two standout IPL seasons for RCB. He took 17 wickets in the first season and 28 in the second, finishing one wicket short of a record third Purple Cap. His swing bowling, inch-perfect outswingers and sudden in-cutters, brought him 45 wickets total, forcing selectors to value skill over age.
Did the new selection committee bring him back?
Yes. Ajit Agarkar left the committee, and the new selectors took a different view. Rudra Pratap Singh, a former India bowler who once shared the new ball with Bhuvneshwar, felt he deserved another look. Bhuvneshwar also earned it with 45 IPL wickets across two seasons, including 28 in the second at an average of 17.89.
When does the New Zealand T20I tour start?
The five T20Is against New Zealand start in Christchurch on October 22, 2026. The second game is also in Christchurch on October 24, followed by matches in Wellington, Auckland, and Hamilton through November 1.
Who else is in the New Zealand T20I squad?
Shreyas Iyer captains the 16-member squad, with Tilak Varma as vice-captain. The squad includes batters Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan and Shivam Dube, plus bowlers Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Mayank Yadav and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Prince Yadav round it out.
Why is World Cup winner Pant in India A?
Pant is selected subject to fitness after his 2022 car crash, but the bigger factor is his captaincy. He led India in a recent Test series against South Africa and lost both matches, including India's biggest-ever 408-run defeat. He lost the Test vice-captaincy to KL Rahul and now needs to play his way back.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com