India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak stated that seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s extensive experience and strong performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) were instrumental in his return to the national team after a four-year absence.
Kotak observed that with Jasprit Bumrah unavailable and several young bowlers playing in England, selectors may have sought an experienced bowler for the upcoming series in New Zealand. Bhuvneshwar’s international career had been paused since the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final against England in Adelaide.
Now 36 years old, Bhuvneshwar earned a recall following a series of consistent displays in the IPL. Kotak made these remarks ahead of India’s second T20 international against West Indies in Ranchi.
“In England, I personally felt that with Bumrah not being around and a lot of young bowlers playing, you can’t beat experience. The young bowlers are doing well and performing consistently, which is why they are getting selected, but at some stage, you also need experience. So, I think that might have been one of the reasons,” Kotak said.
He added, “Another factor could be that Bhuvneshwar has been doing really well in the IPL over the last two seasons. The selectors may have felt that his experience would be useful in New Zealand conditions. Obviously, he has been performing well, and we need that experience, so they must have picked him with that in mind.”
Bhuvneshwar has experienced a resurgence with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL, taking 45 wickets in 31 matches at an average of 22.55 and an economy rate of 8.52, contributing to the franchise’s back-to-back titles in 2025 and 2026.
In the IPL 2026 season alone, he was the second-highest wicket-taker with 28 wickets in 16 matches, averaging 17.89 with an economy rate of 7.95.
The upcoming tour begins with five T20 internationals from October 22, followed by five One-Day Internationals and two Test matches.