Veteran India pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar returns to T20I side after four years
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The gist
India fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 36, was added to the squad for the West Indies decider as cover for injured Arshdeep Singh.
His first India appearance since 2022 comes before a New Zealand tour where swing could suit him.
Background
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, a 36-year-old veteran India fast bowler nicknamed "Bhuvi" and the "Swing King", last played for India in the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final. His recall followed an IPL 2026 season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in which he took 28 wickets in 16 matches at an economy rate of 7.95, the second-highest tally behind Kagiso Rabada, as the franchise won back-to-back titles. He was already in India's squad for the upcoming T20I series in New Zealand and was training at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru when the call-up came.
How it unfolded
- Oct 14, 2026Arshdeep Singh suffered a blow to his bowling shoulder during the fourth T20I against West Indies in Hyderabad.
- Oct 16, 2026Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 36, was added to India's squad for the fifth and final T20I in Bengaluru as cover for the injured Arshdeep.
- Oct 17, 2026With the series poised at 2-2, Bhuvneshwar was named in India's lineup for the decider at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, his first India appearance since 2022; West Indies chose to bowl first.
- Oct 21, 2026First T20I against New Zealand scheduled at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, with Bhuvneshwar pictured in training there.
Who’s saying what
- Support
- India captain Shreyas Iyer said Bhuvneshwar brings experience the team lacked and knows how to dominate the format.
- Caution
- New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner said Bhuvneshwar will love the New Zealand conditions but that bowling in India is pretty challenging these days.
- Expert
- Former New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond said Bhuvneshwar can be lethal with the new ball if early-season pitches offer swing and seam, and brings a calming presence.
- Official
- India bowling head coach Morne Morkel expressed enthusiasm over Bhuvneshwar's return after almost four years and said Arshdeep had not been ruled out of the decider.
Still unverified
Arshdeep Singh's availability for the series decider was to be assessed before the match, with the decision based on his recovery.