'That's why they must have picked him' - India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak dissects reason behind Bhuvneshwar's recall

India's squad announcement for the five-match T20I series in New Zealand came with one major surprise, and a welcome one for Bhuvneshwar Kumar's fans, as the veteran seamer earned a recall after nearly four years on the sidelines.

The selection committee could have brought back Bhuvneshwar for the tours of Ireland and England immediately after the IPL but opted against it. India endured a difficult run on both tours, losing 2-0 to Ireland and 4-0 to England. In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, the pace attack lacked experience and struggled under pressure.

With Bumrah unavailable for the five-match T20I series in New Zealand, which begins on October 22, India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak believes that may have influenced the selectors' decision to turn to Bhuvneshwar's experience.

"One thing obviously is it's the selectors' choice," Kotak said ahead of the second T20I against West Indies in Ranchi. "But still I can give you an answer about what I think: in England, I also personally felt - with Bumrah not being around and all - the new bowlers, the young bowlers were playing, and we all know that you can't beat experience. They are also good but at some stage you need experience. So I'm just thinking that might be one reason."

With 87 T20I appearances, Bhuvneshwar trails only Bumrah (100) and Arshdeep Singh (95) among the current crop of Indian pacers in terms of international T20I experience. Kotak believes that experience could prove valuable on a demanding overseas tour such as New Zealand.

"Selectors must have thought that for New Zealand conditions, we need some experience," Kotak said. "That's why they must have picked him. That's what I can think of."

India's tour of New Zealand 2026 (T20Is only)