Archive · 7 Oct 2026
Bhuvneshwar Returns as India Names Squads for New Zealand Tour
India has brought Bhuvneshwar Kumar back into its T20 cricket team for a series in New Zealand.
He is 36, and his last game for India was in November 2022.
He earned the recall after taking many wickets for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL.
Across the 2025 and 2026 seasons, he took 45 wickets.
Varun Chakaravarthy also returned, while Jasprit Bumrah was left out, possibly so he could manage his workload.
India has also chosen a separate India A team to play three longer matches against New Zealand A. Rishabh Pant is included if he is cleared as fit.
Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar were chosen after taking wickets in the Irani Cup.
The first T20I is scheduled for October 22, and the India A matches begin on October 27.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 36, was recalled to India's T20I squad for a five-match New Zealand series, nearly four years after his last India appearance.
His selection followed 45 IPL wickets across 2025 and 2026 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, including 28 in 2026 at an economy rate of 7.95.
Varun Chakaravarthy also returned to the T20I squad, replacing Ravi Bishnoi; Jasprit Bumrah was omitted, with workload management cited as a likely factor.
India named a 15-member India A squad for three multi-day matches against New Zealand A; Rishabh Pant's inclusion depends on fitness clearance.
Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar were selected after taking six and eight wickets respectively in the Irani Cup, where Rest of India won by 167 runs.
- Who
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Varun Chakaravarthy were recalled to India's T20I squad. India also selected an India A squad including Akash Deep, Mukesh Kumar and Rishabh Pant, subject to fitness clearance.
- What
- India named squads for a five-match T20I series against New Zealand and three multi-day matches between India A and New Zealand A.
- When
- The first T20I is scheduled for October 22. The India A matches are scheduled for October 27, November 3 and November 10.
- Where
- The matches are in New Zealand. The first T20I is at Hagley Oval in Christchurch; the India A games are scheduled in Lincoln and Christchurch.
- Why
- Bhuvneshwar's recall followed strong IPL performances. Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar were selected after their Irani Cup performances; workload management was reported as a likely consideration in Bumrah's omission.
- Bhuvneshwar's age and last appearance
- He is 36 and last played for India in November 2022, in a T20I in New Zealand.
- Bhuvneshwar's IPL record
- He took 45 wickets across the 2025 and 2026 IPL seasons for Royal Challengers Bengaluru; 28 came in 2026 at an economy rate of 7.95.
- T20I series
- Five matches, beginning October 22 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
- T20I squad changes
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Varun Chakaravarthy were included; Varun replaced Ravi Bishnoi. Jasprit Bumrah was left out, with workload management described as a likely consideration.
- India A schedule
- Three multi-day matches against New Zealand A on October 27, November 3 and November 10; the first and third are scheduled in Lincoln and the second in Christchurch.
- Pant's selection
- Rishabh Pant was named in the India A squad subject to fitness clearance.
- Irani Cup performances
- Akash Deep took six wickets and Mukesh Kumar took eight as Rest of India won by 167 runs.
- Bhuvneshwar's reported training and diet
- His physiotherapist said Bhuvneshwar focused on regaining swing and had avoided sugar, gluten and lactose for six years.
Sources
Bhuvneshwar Kumar in T20I squad for New Zealand, Jasprit Bumrah rested - Telegraph India
Bhuvneshwar rewarded for 28-wicket IPL season with India T20I recall for NZ tour
Zero sugar, zero gluten, zero lactose – what fuelled Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return
