Bhuvneshwar Kumar earned India T20I recall on experience: Sitanshu Kotak
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak explains that Bhuvneshwar Kumar's four-year T20I absence ended due to his vast experience and stellar IPL performances.
India are scheduled to travel to New Zealand for a five-match T20I series following their ongoing assignment against West Indies. The squad announcement brought a major surprise as veteran fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar earned a national recall after a four-year absence. Ahead of the second T20I in Ranchi, Team India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak shed light on the selection logic behind bringing back the seasoned campaigner.
Kotak pointed out that with Jasprit Bumrah being rested and several youthful options in the bowling attack, the team management felt an urgent need for an experienced head. He emphasized that while young bowlers are talented and performing well, seasoned leadership remains invaluable at the international level.
The batting coach stated, "One thing is obviously with the selectors, but I can give you an answer based on what I think. 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 good; they are performing well and getting selected, but at some stage you also need some experience."
Bhuvneshwar's domestic grind and standout returns for Royal Challengers Bengaluru during their back-to-back IPL-winning campaigns in 2025 and 2026 heavily influenced his comeback. The right-arm pacer claimed 45 wickets across those two seasons, including 28 scalps in 2026 alone, finishing as RCB's leading wicket-taker and second overall in the Purple Cap race.
Kotak added regarding the selection rationale, "That might be one reason. Another thing is that Bhuvneshwar has been doing really well in the IPL for the last two seasons. So the selectors must have thought that, for New Zealand conditions and all, obviously he has been doing well and we need some experience."
The return of Bhuvneshwar has naturally sparked discussions about a potential international comeback for Mohammed Shami as well. When pressed on whether Shami could force his way back into the setup, Kotak maintained a neutral stance, noting that selection ultimately rests with the panel based on current form and team requirements.
Kotak remarked, "First of all, I am not a selector, so it is difficult for me to tell you that. But Shami is also playing, and he is also doing well. If the selectors feel that he is doing well and the team has a requirement, then any player can be selected."