3 Indian cricketers who deserve a comeback like Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s selection in India’s T20I squad for the five-match series against New Zealand, announced by the BCCI on October 6, 2026, has sparked a wider conversation about experienced players who have been on the fringes of Indian cricket. The 36-year-old seamer had not represented India since November 2022, making his return after nearly four years a remarkable story.

His recall was built on consistent domestic performances. Bhuvneshwar took 28 wickets in 16 IPL 2026 matches for Royal Challengers Bengaluru at an economy rate of 7.95, finishing as the side’s leading wicket-taker. He also claimed 14 wickets in 11 matches in the UP T20 League. That body of work, across 229 international appearances, convinced selectors to hand him a place in the squad for the series beginning October 22, 2026 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch. Several other Indian cricketers have similarly compelling cases for a return.

Here are three Indian cricketers who deserve a comeback like Bhuvneshwar Kumar:

1. Mohammed Shami

Mohammed Shami has been absent from international cricket for a prolonged period due to injury management. Experts and fans have actively backed him for a recall, particularly following Bhuvneshwar’s return to the national setup. His seam presentation and accuracy have long been regarded as standout attributes among Indian pace bowlers, and selectors have occasionally found India’s pace attack stretched thin when Jasprit Bumrah has been unavailable. With the 2027 ODI World Cup cycle now firmly in focus, Shami’s experience and skill set make him a strong candidate for a return to the Indian squad.

2. Krunal Pandya

Krunal Pandya last represented India in a T20I on July 25, 2021 against Sri Lanka, and his last ODI came on July 23, 2021, also against Sri Lanka. The left-handed all-rounder has since reinvented himself as a reliable middle-overs spinner and a useful lower-order batter. He was part of RCB’s IPL 2026 title-winning squad and was named in India’s squad for the Hong Kong Sixes 2026, announced on October 5, 2026. Across 19 T20Is and 5 ODIs, Krunal has shown he can contribute in multiple phases of the game.

3. Rajat Patidar

Rajat Patidar captained RCB through a dominant IPL 2026 campaign in which the side finished first in the league stage, won Qualifier 1 against Gujarat Titans and then claimed the Final against the same opponents to defend their 2025 title. His leadership and batting form throughout the tournament placed him firmly in the national conversation. Despite his consistent performances in the IPL, Patidar has yet to establish a regular presence in the Indian T20I setup. With RCB’s back-to-back title wins providing strong evidence of his quality at the highest domestic level, selectors may find it increasingly difficult to overlook him as India plan their T20I combinations ahead of future tournaments.