Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to India’s T20I squad has been driven by his strong Indian Premier League form and the experience he can bring to a young bowling attack, assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak said ahead of the second T20I against the West Indies in Ranchi. The 36-year-old pacer was recalled for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand after last playing for India in November 2022.

Bhuvneshwar’s recent IPL performances have strengthened his case for a return to international cricket. He played a key role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s back-to-back IPL title campaigns in 2025 and 2026, taking 45 wickets across the two seasons. Kotak indicated that the selectors had taken note of his consistency while considering the conditions expected in New Zealand and the needs of India’s bowling unit.

Experience was another important factor behind the decision, according to Kotak. He pointed to India’s young group of fast bowlers and said the absence of Jasprit Bumrah during the team’s England assignment had highlighted the value of having an experienced campaigner in the attack. “The young bowlers are good, they are performing well and getting selected, but at some stage you also need some experience,” Kotak said, adding that Bhuvneshwar’s recent IPL form made his selection understandable.

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Bhuvneshwar’s return has also raised questions about the prospects of Mohammed Shami, who remains outside the current T20I squad despite continuing to play domestic cricket. Shami last represented India in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in March 2025 and has since been working his way back through domestic cricket. Kotak said Shami was also performing well but stressed that selection decisions were the responsibility of the selectors. “If the selectors feel that he is doing well and the team has a requirement, then any player can be selected,” he said.

India’s immediate focus, however, remains on the ongoing five-match T20I series against the West Indies. India won the opening match by eight wickets and entered the second game on a 10-match winning streak after also taking the preceding ODI series 2-1. Kotak said the team was continuing to balance the need for results with the development of its bench strength, while acknowledging that opportunities for younger players could sometimes mean established names missing out.

The second T20I in Ranchi gives India another opportunity to extend its winning run while assessing players for future assignments. Kotak said India’s improving depth meant the team could field several strong sides, although giving opportunities to new players would inevitably leave some experienced players out. Bhuvneshwar’s recall adds another experienced option as India continues to build its T20I bowling group ahead of the New Zealand series.

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