Bhuvneshwar Kumar returns Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has made a much-anticipated return to India’s T20I setup after nearly four years, headlining the squads announced for the upcoming New Zealand tour.Bhuvneshwar’s recall comes after an impressive IPL 2026 campaign, where he claimed 28 wickets.
His last T20I appearance for India also came against New Zealand in Napier on November 22, 2022.The 36-year-old now has the opportunity to make his international comeback against the same opposition.
Watch IND vs WI: Shubman Gill on India’s bowling concerns and fielding lapses Bhuvneshwar returns to India setup Bhuvneshwar’s return is the biggest talking point from the selection announcement.
His experience with the new ball adds another dimension to India’s pace attack, which also features Arshdeep Singh, Mayank Yadav and Prince Yadav.Shreyas Iyer will continue to lead the T20I side, with Tilak Varma as his deputy.
Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan and teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi are also part of the squad.Five-match T20I series India will play five T20Is in New Zealand, beginning in Christchurch on October 22.
The series will then move to Wellington, Auckland and Hamilton.Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines DateMatchVenueOctober 221st T20IChristchurchOctober 242nd T20IChristchurchOctober 273rd T20IWellingtonOctober 304th T20IAucklandNovember 15th T20IHamilton Jaiswal, Rahul and Pant headline India A squad The India A squad features several established names, including Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant.
Dhruv Jurel has been named captain, while Pant’s participation remains subject to fitness clearance.
