After a four-year absence from India’s T20I setup, veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar is back in national colours, and assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak believes what drove the selectors to bring him back.
India assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak has opened up on the factors behind Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to India’s T20 international fold. The 36-year-old veteran pacer made a triumphant return to the Indian T20I fold after a four-year gap. Bhuvneshwar delivered outstanding performances for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru over the past two seasons, claiming 45 wickets during that period.
Kotak speaks on Bhuvneshwar’s selection
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Korak said Bhuvneshwar’s experience may have been a key factor behind his selection, especially in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and with several young bowlers in the squad.
The India coach added that the seamer’s impressive IPL performance over the last two seasons, combined with his suitability for the conditions in New Zealand, likely influenced the selectors’ decision.
“One thing is obviously with the selectors, but I can give you an answer based on what I think. In England, I personally felt that with Bumrah not being around and a lot of young bowlers playing, you can’t beat experience. The young bowlers are good; they are performing well and getting selected, but at some stage you also need some experience.
More from Firstcricket“That might be one reason. Another thing is that Bhuvneshwar has been doing really well in the IPL for the last two seasons. So the selectors must have thought that, for New Zealand conditions and all, obviously he has been doing well and we need some experience,” Kotak said.
Will Shami also be able to make a comeback?
Bhuvneshwar’s return sparked hope among fans who have raised questions over Mohammed Shami’s comeback. The veteran seamer was one of India’s star performers during the ODI World Cup in 2023, and last appeared for India in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
But Kotak chose not to ignite any speculation over Shami’s possible return.
“First of all, I am not a selector, so it is difficult for me to tell you that. But Shami is also playing, and he is also doing well. If the selectors feel that he is doing well and the team has a requirement, then any player can be selected,” Kotak added.
Bhuvneshwar is expected to be in action for India during the New Zealand T20I series, starting Thursday, October 22, 2026.