Live Update: Dinesh Karthik preciates voters’ courage in recalling Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The former Kolkata Knight Riders welcomed the selection committee’s decision to bring back the 36-year-old pacer after four years away from international cricket.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Photo by Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via ) India have recalled medium pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand starting October 24. The 36-year-old’s return comes after a nearly four-year absence, with his last T20I pearance in New Zealand in November 2022. The BCCI selection committee led by Pragyan Ojha decided to bring him back into the team.
Bhuvneshwar was recalled after an impressive IPL 2026 campaign with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. During the tournament, he took 28 wickets at an economy rate of 7.95, becoming the second highest wicket-taker as the franchise successfully defended its title. His league form proved crucial to the selection committee’s decision.
“It took four years to get him back into this Indian team. Firstly, well done, selectors, to have the courage to pick someone,” Karthik was quoted as saying by India Today. “The Indian team tried all the pacers last year.
But in terms of his abilities alone, Bhuvi was exceonal. The quality he brings is brilliant. He can play with a new ball, swing it both ways and then when it dies, handle the pressure,” he added.
preciation of achievement and character Karthik felt that Bhuvneshwar should try to enjoy the rest of his career in international cricket after having to wait for almost four years. “I sincerely wish that he goes there and enjoys the rest of his time playing international cricket. He deserved it purely in terms of performance,” said Karthik.
Bhuvneshwar’s career record in T20I cricket highlights his experience at the highest level. The pacer played 87 T20Is and took 90 wickets with a bowling average of 23.10 and an economy rate of 6.96. These statistics demonstrate his consistency and effectiveness in the shortest format throughout his international career.
art of India’s Bhuvneshwar picked three more fast bowlers: Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav and Mayank Yadav. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shivam Dube are the bowling all-rounders in the squad.
