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Bhuvneshwar Kumar Returns to India’s T20I Squad
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been chosen to play T20 cricket for India again.
He last played for India in this format nearly four years ago.
He had a strong season for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, taking 28 wickets in the IPL.
India will play five T20 matches in New Zealand.
The team may also be checking whether Bhuvneshwar is fit enough for more cricket.
India is thinking about its team for the 2027 World Cup.
Bhuvneshwar says he would love to play in another World Cup and has been training.
Varun Chakravarthy is also back in the squad, while Jasprit Bumrah will rest.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been recalled to India’s T20I squad for the New Zealand tour, nearly four years after his last T20I.
His recent form included 28 wickets for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026, one behind Kagiso Rabada’s tally.
The selection may help assess his fitness and ability to handle a heavier workload as India considers options for the 2027 World Cup.
Bhuvneshwar said he wants to play in another World Cup and is training, while accepting that selection is not guaranteed.
Varun Chakravarthy also returns to the T20I squad; Jasprit Bumrah was rested to manage his workload.
- Who
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been recalled to India’s T20I squad; Varun Chakravarthy also returns.
- What
- India selected its squad for a five-match T20I series against New Zealand.
- Where
- New Zealand, with matches in Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland and Hamilton.
- When
- The series is scheduled for October 22 to November 1; Bhuvneshwar last played a T20I for India in November 2022.
- Why
- Bhuvneshwar’s selection follows strong recent form and may allow India to assess his fitness and workload for a possible 2027 World Cup role.
Case for considering Bhuvneshwar
Questions about his return
Form and skills
Case for considering Bhuvneshwar
His 28 IPL 2026 wickets and ability to move the new ball support his case for an India recall.
Questions about his return
The articles describe the World Cup possibility as dependent on further assessment; recent form alone does not settle his place.
Fitness and workload
Case for considering Bhuvneshwar
Bhuvneshwar says his body is ready and that he has been training with a physio and trainer.
Questions about his return
India needs to determine whether he can handle the extra load of ODI cricket; he has not played the Vijay Hazare Trophy since 2023.
Key facts
- Bhuvneshwar’s age
- 36
- Last India T20I
- November 2022, in New Zealand
- IPL 2026 wickets
- 28 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru; one fewer than Kagiso Rabada
- New Zealand T20I series
- Five matches, scheduled for October 22 to November 1
- Potential longer-term consideration
- India is assessing whether Bhuvneshwar could be considered for the 2027 World Cup.
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Rested for the T20I series to manage his workload ahead of the two-Test series.
Quotes
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Indian fast bowler discussing his desire to play in another World Cup.
“100 per cent. You can’t beat the feeling of playing in a World Cup, whichever sport it may be.”
indianexpress.com
“My body is ready. I’ve physio and trainer at home. At this moment, I’m ready.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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