Archive · 9 Oct 2026
Kotak Cites Experience and IPL Form in Bhuvneshwar’s Recall
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is back in India’s T20I squad after being away for almost four years.
Coach Sitanshu Kotak said he thinks experience may have helped Bhuvneshwar get selected.
India has young bowlers who are doing well, but Kotak said experienced players can also be useful.
He also said Bhuvneshwar has bowled well in the IPL.
His experience might help India on its upcoming tour of New Zealand.
Reports disagree about his total wickets in the last two IPL seasons.
They also give different accounts of when he last played for India.
Kotak said Mohammed Shami is playing well, but selectors will decide whether he is needed.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has returned to India’s T20I squad after nearly four years away.
Sitanshu Kotak said Jasprit Bumrah’s absence and the presence of younger bowlers may have made experience valuable.
Kotak also cited Bhuvneshwar’s strong IPL form and possible usefulness in New Zealand conditions as factors selectors may have considered.
Reports differ on his two-season IPL tally: one says 48 wickets in 30 matches, while others say 45 in 31.
Kotak said Mohammed Shami was playing well but left any decision about his selection to the selectors.
- Who
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar was recalled to India’s T20I squad; assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak discussed possible reasons.
- What
- India recalled Bhuvneshwar after nearly four years away from the national team.
- When
- Kotak spoke before India’s second T20I against the West Indies; reports give October 9 but do not consistently state the year.
- Where
- Kotak spoke in Ranchi, India; the recall is ahead of India’s tour of New Zealand.
- Why
- Kotak suggested experience, recent IPL performances, and potential usefulness in New Zealand conditions may have influenced the selectors.
Value of experience
Progress of younger bowlers
India’s bowling mix
Value of experience
Kotak said India may need an experienced bowler, particularly with Jasprit Bumrah unavailable and a New Zealand tour approaching.
Progress of younger bowlers
Kotak acknowledged that younger bowlers were performing well and earning selection.
- Player recalled
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Reported age
- 36
- Time away
- Nearly four years
- Possible selection factors
- Experience, recent IPL form, and possible usefulness in New Zealand conditions, according to Kotak
- Reported IPL totals
- Accounts differ: 48 wickets in 30 matches or 45 wickets in 31 matches across two seasons
- IPL 2026 figures
- 28 wickets in 16 matches; average 17.89 and economy rate 7.95
- Mohammed Shami
- Kotak said Shami was playing well and that selectors would decide whether he was required
- New Zealand tour
- Reports describe a five-match T20I series; one also lists five ODIs and two Tests
Sources
‘You can’t beat experience’: Sitanshu Kotak on Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s recall
'You can’t beat experience': India assistant coach on Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return
Indian Coach Breaks Silence On Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s Return, Explains Comeback After Four Years
Batting coach Kotak reveals why selectors recalled Bhuvneshwar Kumar for New Zealand tour