चार वर्षांनंतर भुवनेश्वर कुमारचे भारतीय टी-२० संघात पुनरागमन;...
अनुभवी वेगवान गोलंदाज भुवनेश्वर कुमारचे चार वर्षांच्या प्रदीर्घ कालावधीनंतर न्यूझीलंडविरुद्धच्या पाच टी-२० सामन्यांच्या मालिकेसाठी भारतीय संघात...
By GT24x7 Reporter··GlobalToday24x7
Bhuvneshwar Kumar Recalled as BCCI Announces T20I Squad for New Zealand Tour
MUMBAI — The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, officially announced a 16-member national squad for the upcoming five-match T20 International (T20I) series against New Zealand, headlined by the high-profile recall of veteran seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The 36-year-old swing bowler returns to the international setup nearly four years after his last appearance for India, which also occurred during a T20I series against New Zealand in Napier in November 2022.
The selection meeting was conducted under the leadership of interim chairman of selectors Pragyan Ojha following the recent departure of former chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Shreyas Iyer will continue as captain of the national T20I side, with Tilak Varma named as his deputy. The five-match series is scheduled to be played across four New Zealand venues from October 22 to November 1, 2026.
Four-Year Absence Concludes Following Consistent Domestic and IPL Performances
Bhuvneshwar’s recall to national duty follows an impressive campaign during IPL 2026, where he collected 28 wickets while displaying consistent control with the new ball in powerplay overs. Selection committee sources indicated that his inclusion offers critical experience to the fast-bowling unit, particularly with frontline pacer Jasprit Bumrah rested for the T20I leg of the tour.
Prior to his selection for the national squad, Bhuvneshwar had been appointed captain of India's squad for the upcoming Hong Kong Sixes tournament. However, officials confirmed that his return to the international T20I squad takes precedence, and he will miss the Hong Kong event to join the national squad traveling to New Zealand. His return provides India with a proven seam option ahead of challenging conditions in the Southern Hemisphere.
Squad Composition, Leadership Duties, and Key Player Inclusions
The 16-man roster incorporates a combination of established international players and emerging talent. Mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has also earned a recall to the national side after recovering from an injury that sidelined him during earlier fixtures. Meanwhile, 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has retained his spot in the squad, earning his maiden overseas senior tour selection.
Leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi was omitted from the squad as selectors opted for a spin-bowling department comprising Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakaravarthy. The batting lineup features top-order options Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, and Tilak Varma, alongside pace-bowling all-rounders Shivam Dube and Nitish Kumar Reddy.