Bhuvneshwar Kumar returns to Indian T20I squad after four years

Veteran Indian fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar has returned to the national T20I team following a four-year absence. The 36-year-old seamer earned his recall for the series against New Zealand following strong performances for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL.

While Kumar has expressed pride in his return, his initial matches in the New Zealand series have been challenging. He has conceded 139 runs with only one wicket across three matches, leading to discussions regarding his form and pace. Former batter Ajinkya Rahane has defended the veteran, suggesting that his resilience and ability to return to the international stage at his age are more significant than his current statistics.

Looking ahead, Kumar has confirmed plans to participate in domestic cricket, including the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. This move could potentially pave the way for a return to One Day International (ODI) cricket as India prepares for the 2027 World Cup.