India’s bowling attack has had a difficult time keeping opposition batters in check, and Shreyas Iyer believes Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return could help address the problem. The veteran pacer is back in the T20I set-up after nearly four years, with India hoping his experience will make a difference against New Zealand.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of Thursday’s series opener in Christchurch, Iyer admitted that India had missed having experienced bowlers in the side, particularly after the IPL, when several new faces came into the attack.
“Bhuvi brings a lot of experience to the team. And we were lacking that, especially after the IPL. We had a lot of new bowlers,” Iyer said.
The India captain also pointed to Bhuvneshwar’s success with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who won back-to-back IPL titles in 2025 and 2026.
“But in T20, if you see his career graph, he has won the IPL in each of the last two years. So, he has a very good idea of how to dominate this format,” Iyer added.
The 36-year-old picked up 45 wickets across the two seasons, including 28 in 2026, and has earned his recall through his performances rather than reputation alone.
INDIA’S BOWLING WOES COME INTO FOCUS
India’s recent T20I series against the West Indies offered a clear reminder of the challenge. The visitors scored 171, 252, 209 and 247 in the four completed matches, leaving India with 879 runs to contend with across those innings.
The results also brought questions about India’s bowling depth. Former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin voiced concerns about the quality of the available options, while bowling coach Morne Morkel spoke about the mental fatigue that can come with a packed schedule.
Bhuvneshwar was named in India’s playing XI for that fifth T20I after Arshdeep Singh picked up a shoulder injury. However, persistent rain disrupted the match, and the decider was eventually abandoned before the veteran pacer could make his comeback on the field.
WHY BHUVNESHWAR’S RETURN MATTERS
Bhuvneshwar last played a T20I for India in November 2022. His recall for the New Zealand series came after Jasprit Bumrah was rested, leaving India to lean on a younger pace group alongside Arshdeep Singh. Bhuvneshwar’s ability to swing the new ball and execute plans at the death gives the attack a different kind of experience.
His return is not just a nod to a veteran’s past achievements. After two productive IPL seasons, Bhuvneshwar has another chance to show that he can still make a difference at international level, and India have a timely opportunity to see what his experience adds to a bowling unit that has struggled for control.
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