The BCCI has announced India’s T20I squad for the upcoming New Zealand tour, with veteran fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar making a surprise return to the national team after four years.
The 36-year-old pacer last represented India in a T20I against New Zealand in Napier on November 22, 2022. His recall is one of the biggest talking points from the latest selection announcement, particularly after his impressive performances for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the last two IPL seasons.
India will play a five-match T20I series against New Zealand, beginning on October 22 in Christchurch. The series will conclude in Hamilton on November 1.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar makes India comeback
Bhuvneshwar’s return adds experience to an Indian bowling attack that contains a mix of established names and emerging fast-bowling talent.
The veteran seamer has remained relevant in T20 cricket despite his prolonged absence from international cricket. His ability to swing the new ball and deliver accurate variations at the death gives India another experienced option, particularly in conditions that can offer assistance to seamers.
His recent IPL performances played an important role in earning the recall. Bhuvneshwar was a key member of RCB’s back-to-back IPL title-winning campaigns in 2025 and 2026.
Interestingly, his comeback will come against the same opposition he last faced for India. His previous T20I appearance was against New Zealand in November 2022, making the upcoming series a full-circle moment for the experienced campaigner.
Shreyas Iyer continues as T20I captain
Shreyas Iyer will continue to lead the Indian T20I side, while Tilak Varma has been named vice-captain.
The batting group includes Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Ishan Kishan, giving India several options at the top and in the middle order.
The squad also features Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Naman Dhir, providing the team with additional all-round and middle-order options.
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Jasprit Bumrah rested for T20I series
One notable omission is Jasprit Bumrah, who has not been included in the T20I squad.
The decision is understood to be part of India’s workload management strategy, with the pace spearhead expected to be important for the ODI and Test assignments later in the New Zealand tour.
Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy also returns after missing the Asian Games because of injury, adding another experienced bowling option to the squad.
India’s T20I squad for NZ tour
Shreyas Iyer (c), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan (wk), Tilak Varma (vc), Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav
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