New Delhi: Veteran India pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has returned to the national T20I squad after nearly four years, with his recall coming soon after Ajit Agarkar’s exit as chairman of the senior men’s selection committee.

The 36-year-old seamer has been picked for India’s upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, beginning on October 22. The selection marks a notable comeback for Bhuvneshwar, who last represented India in a T20I in November 2022.

His return comes in the first India squad announced after Agarkar’s tenure ended on October 4, with former India spinner Pragyan Ojha serving as the interim chairman of selectors.

Bhuvneshwar’s comeback follows strong IPL form

Bhuvneshwar’s recall comes after an impressive campaign for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), where he played an important role in their back-to-back IPL title triumphs.

According to the PTI report carried by NDTV Sports, the Meerut-born pacer claimed 17 wickets last season and continued to trouble batters with his swing and seam movement, particularly during the powerplay.

His experience has also become particularly valuable with Jasprit Bumrah unavailable for the New Zealand T20I series. The selectors have opted to bring back a bowler who has extensive experience in international cricket and can operate effectively with the new ball.

Bhuvneshwar has played 21 Tests, 121 ODIs and 87 T20Is for India. He has taken 90 wickets in T20 internationals.

Agarkar factor behind earlier absence

The PTI report claimed that Bhuvneshwar’s return did not happen during Agarkar’s tenure because the former chairman of selectors was not inclined to revisit experienced players despite their performances.

The report further said Central Zone selector Rudra Pratap Singh had not found sufficient support for Bhuvneshwar’s inclusion during the previous selection regime.

These are reported details from an unnamed-source-based selection account and have not been independently confirmed by the BCCI.

With Agarkar no longer heading the selection panel, Pragyan Ojha and the other selectors reportedly found it easier to consider the veteran pacer’s experience and current form.

The change comes at an interesting stage for Indian T20 cricket, with the team already looking beyond the immediate cycle and assessing players for future global tournaments.

Experience could help India’s young pacers

Bhuvneshwar’s role may extend beyond taking wickets.

The PTI report said his experience could help India’s younger fast bowlers, including Mayank Yadav and Prince Yadav, who are being viewed as potential contenders for the 2028 T20 World Cup in Australia.

Mayank, in particular, has generated considerable interest because of his pace, while Prince Yadav is also part of India’s emerging T20 group.

Having an experienced campaigner such as Bhuvneshwar in the squad could provide the younger bowlers with access to knowledge about powerplay bowling, variations, reading conditions and managing pressure in international cricket.

His ability to swing the new ball also gives India a different option from some of its younger pace bowlers.

Mohammed Shami could also benefit

Bhuvneshwar’s selection could have implications for another experienced Indian pacer, Mohammed Shami.

The PTI report suggested that Bhuvneshwar’s return could also encourage Shami, who has remained an important figure in India’s pace-bowling plans.

The selection of experienced players alongside younger options indicates that India’s T20 setup is not necessarily focused exclusively on youth.

Instead, the selectors appear to be balancing experience with emerging talent as they prepare for future international assignments.

Pragyan Ojha begins interim tenure

The New Zealand squad is the first selection announced following Agarkar’s departure from the panel.

Agarkar’s tenure ended on October 4 after he informed the BCCI that he would not seek an extension. The board subsequently invited applications for a position on the men’s selection committee, while Ojha was asked to serve as interim chairman.

The current panel includes Ojha, Shiv Sundar Das, Ajay Ratra and Rudra Pratap Singh.

The transition comes with India preparing for a demanding international schedule, including the 2027 ODI World Cup build-up and subsequent major assignments.

India face New Zealand in five T20Is

India’s five-match T20I series against New Zealand begins in Christchurch on October 22.

The second match will also be played in Christchurch on October 24, followed by the third T20I in Wellington on October 27. The fourth match is scheduled in Auckland on October 30, while the final T20I will be played in Hamilton on November 1.

India will then play a five-match ODI series and a two-Test series against New Zealand.

The T20I squad includes captain Shreyas Iyer, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav.

Varun Chakravarthy has also returned after an injury ruled him out of India’s Asian Games campaign.

A significant second chance for Bhuvneshwar

Bhuvneshwar’s return represents one of the more notable developments in India’s latest T20I selection.

After almost four years away from international cricket, the veteran pacer has earned another opportunity on the back of his IPL performances and his experience.

The decision also comes during a change in India’s selection leadership, making the timing particularly significant.

Whether Bhuvneshwar can convert his domestic and IPL form into sustained international performances remains to be seen. For now, his recall gives India another experienced option in the pace department and adds an interesting dimension to the team’s preparations for the New Zealand series.