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Bhuvneshwar Kumar recalled to India T20I squad after four years

By Drooid · Oct 9, 2026, 4:11 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

India recalled veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar to its T20I squad after a four-year absence.
He took 45 IPL wickets for Royal Challengers Bengaluru across 2025-2026, including 28 wickets in 2026 (second-highest).
Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said Kumar’s experience is needed because Jasprit Bumrah is unavailable.
Former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin noted Kumar’s return could open a place for Mohammed Shami.
The five-match T20I series against New Zealand starts on October 22, 2026.

History

Historical Context

The T20I format, introduced in 2005, produced its first World Twenty20 in 2007, where India under MS Dhoni defeated Pakistan by five runs to win the inaugural title. Continuing that veteran-heavy approach, India’s 187 T20I wins and the 2026 co-hosted tournament victory led coach Sitanshu Kotak to recall bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar for the October 2026 New Zealand series, echoing the 2007 reliance on experience.

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Story summary

India recalled veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar to its T20I squad after a four-year absence.
He took 45 IPL wickets for Royal Challengers Bengaluru across 2025-2026, including 28 wickets in 2026 (second-highest).
Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said Kumar’s experience is needed because Jasprit Bumrah is unavailable.
Former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin noted Kumar’s return could open a place for Mohammed Shami.
The five-match T20I series against New Zealand starts on October 22, 2026.

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