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Bhuvneshwar Kumar: news, facts and key points

6 stories · latest 19 Oct 2026 · View the player page

Key points from the latest coverage

Ravi Shastri Backs Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s India T20I Return Ahead of New Zealand Tour

Ravi Shastri called Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s selection an obvious choice because of his experience and quality.
Bhuvneshwar has been recalled to India’s 16-member T20I squad for the five-match New Zealand series.
The series begins on October 22, 2026, in Christchurch.
Bhuvneshwar last represented India in T20Is in November 2022, against New Zealand.
He took 45 wickets across the last two IPL seasons for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, according to Wisden.

‘You Can’t Beat Experience’: Kotak Explains Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s India Return

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been recalled to India’s T20I squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand.
Assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak highlighted the importance of experience in a bowling attack featuring emerging fast bowlers.
Bhuvneshwar’s performances in the 2025 and 2026 Indian Premier League seasons strengthened his case for a return.
His last appearance for India came in November 2022.
The recall reflects India’s effort to balance experienced players with the development of younger talent.

Did you know? Facts about Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Bhuvneshwar’s last T20I appearance before his recall was also against New Zealand. Read the story →
India’s 16-player T20I squad is led by Shreyas Iyer, with Tilak Varma as vice-captain. Read the story →
The ICC noted that Bhuvneshwar’s ability to swing the ball could be valuable in New Zealand conditions. Read the story →
Bhuvneshwar’s recall follows nearly four years outside India’s T20I setup. Read the story →
The fifth T20I is the deciding match of a five-game series level at two wins apiece. Read the story →
The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is known for its compact boundaries and high-scoring T20 matches. Read the story →
The weather reports published ahead of the match differed in their exact hourly rain probabilities, underscoring the need to check updated forecasts. Read the story →
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s recall was reported as a potential return to India’s T20I side after his last appearance in 2022. Read the story →

All stories on Bhuvneshwar Kumar

🟢 Confirmed · The Hindu

Ravi Shastri Backs Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s India T20I Return Ahead of New Zealand Tour

Ravi Shastri says Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s experience makes his India T20I recall an obvious choice ahead of the five-match New Zealand series beginning October 22. The 36-year-old pacer returns to the national setup after nearly four years away.

🟡 Report · Sportstar

Rain Threatens India–West Indies Fifth T20I as Bengaluru Forecast Raises Concern

India and West Indies head into the fifth T20I in Bengaluru with the series tied 2-2, but forecasts of rain and possible thunderstorms could disrupt Saturday’s decider at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

🟡 Report · Sportstar

Bhuvneshwar Kumar Added to India Squad for 5th T20I After Arshdeep Singh Injury

India have added veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar to the squad for the fifth T20I against West Indies in Bengaluru after Arshdeep Singh sustained a bowling-shoulder injury. The one-match addition comes ahead of the series decider on October 17.

R Ashwin on Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s India Comeback: ‘Never Looked for the Fruit’

Ravichandran Ashwin says Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s India comeback is the reward for consistent performances, not something the experienced pacer chased. The 36-year-old has returned to India’s T20I squad for the New Zealand series after impressive IPL campaigns.

‘You Can’t Beat Experience’: Kotak Explains Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s India Return

India assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak has highlighted experience and consistent IPL performances as key factors behind Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s recall to the T20I squad for the upcoming New Zealand series. The veteran fast bowler last represented India in November 2022.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar Returns to India T20 Squad After Four-Year Absence

Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has earned a surprise India T20I recall after nearly four years, with the 36-year-old named in the squad for the upcoming five-match series against New Zealand.

Also in the news with Bhuvneshwar Kumar

India New Zealand Royal Challengers Bengaluru West Indies Arshdeep Singh Shreyas Iyer Tilak Varma Arshdeep Singh