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"Valuable in Overseas Conditions": Kotak Explains Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s Return to T20I Squad

India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak stated that veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar's return to the national T20I squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand is driven by his exceptional IPL performances and the team's need for experienced bowling in overseas conditions.

Nilakshi Barman | | 1 min read

"Valuable in Overseas Conditions": Kotak Explains Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s Return to T20I Squad
Image courtesy: The Hindu

In Brief

  1. Kotak emphasized that having an experienced campaigner like the 36-year-old pacer is vital for a relatively young Indian bowling lineup, especially in fast-bowling friendly New Zealand conditions.
  2. Bhuvneshwar's recall follows two stellar IPL seasons with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, including a 28-wicket campaign in 2026 where he finished as the tournament's second-highest wicket-taker.
  3. The selection marks Bhuvneshwar's first return to the Indian T20I setup since November 2022, when he last played against New Zealand.

India national cricket team batting coach Sitanshu Kotak addressed veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s surprise T20I recall for the upcoming tour of New Zealand, attributing the decision to the bowler's remarkable IPL form and the necessity of experience in foreign conditions.

Speaking to reporters ahead of India’s second T20I against the West Indies in Ranchi on Thursday, October 8, 2026, Kotak explained that while final selection decisions rest with the national selection committee, Bhuvneshwar's leadership within a developing pace attack likely played a central role.

"In England, I personally felt that with Bumrah not being around and a lot of young bowlers playing, you can't beat experience," Kotak said during the pre-match press conference. "The young bowlers are good, they are performing well and getting selected, but at some stage you also need some experience."

Kotak pointed to Bhuvneshwar's back-to-back strong Indian Premier League (IPL) seasons with Royal Challengers Bengaluru as the primary catalyst for his international return. The 36-year-old right-arm pacer claimed 17 wickets in 2025 and followed it with a career-best 28 wickets in the 2026 season at an economy rate of 7.95, playing a crucial role in RCB's title defence.

"Another thing is that Bhuvneshwar has been doing really well in the IPL for the last two seasons," Kotak added. "So the selectors must have thought that for New Zealand conditions and all, obviously he has been doing well and we need some experience."

Bhuvneshwar, who has taken 90 wickets in 87 T20Is at an economy rate of 6.96, last represented India in November 2022 against New Zealand.

India's tour of New Zealand begins on October 22, 2026, featuring a five-match T20I series, followed by five ODIs and two Test matches.

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