Bhuvneshwar Kumar Makes India T20I Comeback After Nearly Four Years
Bhuvneshwar Kumar returns to India's T20I squad after nearly four years as Shreyas Iyer leads against New Zealand.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has made a surprise return to the Indian T20I team after nearly four years. The 36-year-old pacer has been picked for the five-match series against New Zealand, starting October 22.
Bhuvneshwar last played for India against New Zealand in November 2022. His return comes after an impressive domestic season and a strong IPL campaign with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
The senior pacer took 28 wickets for RCB during their title-winning IPL season. His experience and ability to swing the ball could add a different option to India’s pace attack.
Shreyas Iyer will lead the 16-member squad, with Tilak Varma named his deputy. Mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has also returned to the T20I setup after being left out of India’s recent plans.
Abhishek Sharma and young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi are part of the batting group. Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan have been selected as the two wicketkeeping options.
Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Naman Dhir make up the all-rounders. The bowling attack includes Arshdeep Singh, Bhuvneshwar, Varun, Kuldeep Yadav, Prince Yadav and Mayank Yadav.
The five-match series will begin in Christchurch on October 22. The second T20I will also be played in Christchurch on October 24 before the teams move to Wellington, Auckland and Hamilton.
Bhuvneshwar’s comeback will be one of the biggest talking points of the series. With his last India appearance also coming against New Zealand, the veteran pacer now has a chance to revive his international career on familiar ground.
India T20I Squad for New Zealand
Shreyas Iyer (C), Tilak Varma (VC), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav.
India will also send an India A squad, led by Dhruv Jurel, for three multi-day matches. The squads for the five ODIs and two Tests will be announced later.
