Sports · Cricket · 2 hrs ago
Santner says Bhuvneshwar could threaten New Zealand in T20I series
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is back in India’s T20I team after nearly four years away from the setup.
India’s five-match series against New Zealand opens in Christchurch, where conditions can help bowlers move the ball.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner expects the conditions to suit Bhuvneshwar, who can swing the new ball and find movement off the pitch.
The 36-year-old has taken 90 wickets in 87 T20 internationals.
India captain Shreyas Iyer says Bhuvneshwar adds valuable experience to a bowling group that has included several newer players.
Bhuvneshwar took 28 wickets for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the 2026 IPL season.
He needs 10 more T20I wickets to reach 100, and the series gives him a chance to close in on that mark.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner said Bhuvneshwar Kumar could pose a threat in the five-match T20I series against India.
Santner said conditions in New Zealand could help the returning fast bowler move the ball with the new ball.
Bhuvneshwar is returning to India’s T20I setup after nearly four years.
The series opener is scheduled for Thursday at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
India captain Shreyas Iyer said Bhuvneshwar would bring valuable experience to the bowling attack.
- Who
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar, India’s returning fast bowler, was identified as a potential threat by New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner.
- What
- India and New Zealand are set to play a five-match T20I series.
- When
- The opener is scheduled for Thursday. The sources do not state its calendar date.
- Where
- The opener is scheduled at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, New Zealand.
- Why
- Santner said Bhuvneshwar could exploit movement in the air and off the pitch, especially with the new ball.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Bhuvneshwar claimed 45 wickets in 31 matches across the two seasons.
Bhuvneshwar took 28 wickets in 16 matches for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, helping the franchise secure its second consecutive title.
Bhuvneshwar is returning to India’s T20I setup.
India’s five-match T20I series against New Zealand is scheduled to open at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
- Series
- Five T20I matches
- Opener venue
- Hagley Oval, Christchurch
- Bhuvneshwar’s T20I record
- 90 wickets in 87 matches
- T20I wickets needed for 100
- 10
- 2026 IPL record
- 28 wickets in 16 matches for Royal Challengers Bengaluru
3 sources
What people are saying
I think Bhuvi will love these conditions in New Zealand. If there's anything in the wicket, he'll find something out of it,
So with the new ball out here especially, he'll be a challenge.
Bhuvi, like you said, brings a lot of experience in the team,