Why is Bhuvneshwar back in India’s squad after four years?

Bhuvneshwar Kumar's return to India's T20I squad after a four-year absence may have come as a surprise, but the veteran pacer's recent performances suggest he still has plenty to offer at the highest level.

The 36-year-old has been rewarded for two outstanding Indian Premier League seasons with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where his consistency and control helped the franchise win back-to-back titles. On Tuesday, he was named in India's 16-member squad for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, beginning October 22 in Christchurch.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

Bhuvneshwar last played a T20I for India in November 2022. Since then, he has taken 72 wickets in the IPL, the most by any bowler during that period, including 45 in RCB's two title-winning campaigns. His 28 wickets in IPL 2026, at an economy rate of 7.95, made a compelling case for his return.

Yet, Bhuvneshwar had seemingly made peace with the possibility of never playing for India again.

“I am not thinking about a comeback for India. It has been many years since I have stopped keeping or making long-term goals because whenever I have done that, it has never worked for me,” he said in a video released by RCB during the IPL season.

The selectors, however, have given him another opportunity, with India's bowling resources stretched and Jasprit Bumrah rested for the New Zealand T20Is as part of workload management.

Bhuvneshwar's experience could prove particularly valuable in the powerplay, where his ability to swing the new ball and maintain tight lines has long been his biggest strength. With India also scheduled to play five ODIs and two Tests on the tour, managing the workload of frontline bowlers will be a priority.

His selection could also open the door to a possible ODI comeback, with the next World Cup approaching. Bhuvneshwar last played an ODI for India in January 2022, but India's recent struggles with the ball have highlighted the need for reliable options beyond Bumrah.

India won their recent three-match ODI series against the West Indies 2-1, but conceded 1,038 runs across the matches. The final ODI in New Chandigarh saw the visitors chase down 352, their highest successful run chase in the format.

Across 12 ODIs in 2026, India's bowlers have averaged 41.86, the third-worst figure among full-member nations. Their batting, by contrast, has averaged 50.28, the best mark among all teams this year.

Bhuvneshwar could offer a solution, but questions remain over his readiness for the 50-over format. He has largely confined himself to T20 cricket in recent years, having last featured in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2023. His performances against New Zealand should provide a useful assessment of his current form and fitness.

Speaking to Jatin Sapru on his YouTube channel, Bhuvneshwar revealed that selectors had told him after the 2022 T20 World Cup that he remained in contention even as India experimented with younger players. When a comeback failed to materialise, he eventually moved on.

Now, another opportunity has arrived, and the veteran pacer has not ruled out the possibility of playing in another World Cup.

“100 per cent. You can't beat the feeling of playing in a World Cup, whichever sport it may be,” he told Sapru.

“My body is ready. I've physio and trainer at home. At this moment, I'm ready. I'm training, but not keeping the 50-over World Cup on mind, but because I want to. If the selection happens I would be happy. If it doesn't happen, I won't be disappointed.”

For now, the New Zealand series offers Bhuvneshwar a chance to prove that age and absence have not diminished his value. Whether it leads to a longer international return remains uncertain, but his selection is a reminder that experience can still matter in India's search for answers with the ball.

India squad: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Tilak Varma (vice-captain), Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav