3 reasons why Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s comeback was possible

Bhuvneshwar Kumar‘s last T20I appearance for India came on November 22, 2022, against New Zealand in Napier, where he returned figures of 0/35. His recall to India’s T20I squad for the five-match series in New Zealand, announced by the BCCI senior selection committee, marks his return to the format after close to four years away.

The 36-year-old pacer was picked for a tour that also includes three ODIs and two Test matches. His selection was driven by a combination of sustained franchise form, domestic consistency and a vacancy created by a key absence in the pace attack.

Here are three reasons why Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s comeback was possible:

1. Excellent IPL performance for Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Bhuvneshwar Kumar took 17 wickets in IPL 2025, with best figures of 3/33, as Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the title. He was bought by RCB at the November 2024 auction for Rs 10.75 crore and repaid that investment across two consecutive seasons.

In IPL 2026, he took 28 wickets from 16 games at a bowling average of 17.89 and an economy rate of 7.95, with best figures of 4/23. He was RCB’s leading wicket-taker as the side defended their title against Gujarat Titans, and he finished the tournament as its second-highest wicket-taker overall. Across the 2025 and 2026 IPL seasons combined, Bhuvneshwar took 45 wickets for RCB.

2. Maintaining consistency in domestic cricket

Even when sidelined from the national squad, Bhuvneshwar continued to dominate batting lineups across domestic tournaments. He consistently produced impactful spells, including a brilliant four-wicket haul for just 10 runs in the Uttar Pradesh T20 League playoffs.

His impressive economy rates and ability to take wickets regularly in competitions such as the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy further underlined his quality. Despite being away from international cricket, Bhuvneshwar has continued to showcase his experience, control and effectiveness with the ball.

3. Workload management for other pacers on NZ tour

With premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah rested to manage his workload, India could need an experienced spearhead in the bowling attack. The upcoming tour of New Zealand is likely to offer conditions that assist swing and seam movement.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s ability to move the ball both ways could make him a valuable option in such conditions. His experience of exploiting movement with the new ball and maintaining disciplined lines could provide India with an effective tactical weapon against New Zealand’s batters.