Veteran fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar is back in India’s T20I plans, having been recalled after a four-year absence. Although his initial return as a last-minute replacement for the deciding T20I against the West Indies in Bengaluru ended without him bowling due to rain, the nearly 37-year-old remains a central figure in the team’s long-term vision. He has now traveled to Christchurch for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand. But only a few months shy of turning 37, he hasn’t let the selectors turn their eyes away from him, the washed out contest may not have offered the veteran seamer a chance to roll his arms. Bhuvneshwar has entered a territory that is already bustling with options.
India captain Shreyas Iyer emphasized the value of the senior seamer’s experience, particularly following a series of campaigns that saw various younger bowlers integrated into the squad. “Bhuvi definitely brings a lot of experience to the team,” Iyer stated on Wednesday. “In T20, if you see his career graph, he has won the IPL in the last two years, so he has a very good idea about how to dominate this format.”
The return of Bhuvneshwar intensifies competition for the third pace bowling spot in a squad that has seen nine frontline pacers debut since 2022. Iyer described the selection dilemma as a “sweet headache,” noting that the presence of seasoned players motivates the entire group to maintain consistent performance. “The most important thing is to win the match. That is the eventual goal,” he added. It’s a battle for largely the third pacer’s spot in a full-strength side, with Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah being the first-choice picks.
Regarding the upcoming conditions in New Zealand, Iyer anticipates that the surfaces will favor fast bowling, though he stressed the importance of swift acclimatization. He noted that while he has toured the country previously, the team must remain adaptable to the pitch conditions presented on match day. Unlike the specific preparations seen during the England series, the team plans to use practice sessions to finalize their approach. “If we look at the conditions here, fast bowling suits the best,” he said. “And I’ve also been here before. Especially swing bowlers, Iyer doesn’t want to jump the gun too soon on what to expect in the upcoming series, and rather be prepared to acclimatize quickly to whatever is on offer, while conditions in New Zealand are expected to be friendly to pacers. They had prepared wickets according to our batting, but when we played in England. No one knows how the wicket will be, so we’ll try to acclimatise as soon as possible, on a given day.
The Indian management also continues to manage the development of 15-year-old batting prospect Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Despite being drafted into the side following an explosive domestic season, the youngster has had limited game time. Iyer defended this cautious approach, explaining that the current openers are in top form and recently secured a World Cup victory, making it difficult for a new player to break into the starting XI immediately. He can also instruct other youngsters who will come for the first time,” he concluded.
Iyer highlighted that the teenager’s presence in the dressing room serves as a valuable learning experience. By observing team operations and getting accustomed to overseas playing conditions, Sooryavanshi is being prepared for future opportunities. “It’s important that a talent like him should always be happy around the dressing room,” Iyer said. “He has more years to get the opportunity. Next time he comes in these conditions, he will be very well prepared.”
