Bhuvneshwar Kumar Returns to India T20I Squad After Four-Year Gap

India pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has made a comeback to the national team after a gap of nearly four years. The 36-year-old has been included in India’s squad for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, beginning on the 22nd of this month. The selection was made by the committee headed by interim chairman Pragyan Ojha. Bhuvneshwar last played a T20I against New Zealand in November 2022. His impressive 2026 IPL campaign with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he claimed 28 wickets in 16 matches and played a key role in the team’s title defence, reportedly strengthened his case for a return. Spinner Varun Chakravarthy is also set to make his comeback against New Zealand.

India will also face New Zealand in five ODIs and two Tests. Meanwhile, the selectors have announced the India A squad for three unofficial Tests against New Zealand A, starting on the 24th. Dhruv Jurel will captain the side, which includes Test regulars such as KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal. The squad also features Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, Sai Sudharsan, Akash Deep and others. This is reportedly the first team selection since Ajit Agarkar stepped down as chairman of the selection committee.