Bhuvneshwar Kumar returns as India announces T20I squad for New Zealand series
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a 16-member T20I squad for the upcoming five-match series against New Zealand, featuring a major comeback for right-arm pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The 36-year-old, who last played for India in November 2022, has been selected after a stellar performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). This season, he took 28 wickets with an impressive economy of 7.95, showcasing his swing bowling prowess.
Bhuvneshwar's return to the national team comes after a four-year hiatus, during which he played for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL. His performances in the 2025 and 2026 seasons, particularly his 28 wickets in 16 matches this year, played a crucial role in his selection. The BCCI's announcement follows Ajit Agarkar's stepping down as the chief selector.
Another notable return is that of mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who has been struggling with injuries this year. The India T20I squad includes familiar names like Shreyas Iyer, Abhishek Sharma, and Kuldeep Yadav, with the series set to begin on October 22, 2026, in Christchurch.
Additionally, the BCCI has named Dhruv Jurel as the captain of the India A squad, which includes several test regulars like KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal. India A will play three multi-day contests against New Zealand A from October 27 to November 10.