India’s bowling lineup has faced challenges in stopping opposing batsmen, and Shreyas Iyer sees the return of Bhuvneshwar Kumar as a potential solution. The seasoned pacer is rejoining the T20I team after nearly four years, with hopes that his experience will have a positive impact during the series against New Zealand.
In a press conference before the first match set to take place in Christchurch, Iyer acknowledged that India’s bowling attack has missed having seasoned players, especially following the Indian Premier League (IPL), which saw many new faces join the squad.
“Bhuvi brings a lot of experience to the team. We really needed that, especially after the IPL when we had many new bowlers,” Iyer explained.
The Indian captain also highlighted Bhuvneshwar’s recent success with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who claimed back-to-back IPL titles in 2025 and 2026.
“In T20 cricket, if you look at his career, he has won the IPL for two straight years. So, he understands how to be successful in this format,” Iyer noted.
At 36, Bhuvneshwar took 45 wickets over the past two IPL seasons, including 28 in 2026, proving his worth through performance rather than just his past reputation.
### India’s Bowling Challenges
India’s recent T20I series against the West Indies showcased the obstacles ahead. The West Indies racked up scores of 171, 252, 209, and 247 in four matches, which meant India had to contend with a hefty total of 879 runs during those innings.
These results raised concerns about the depth of India’s bowling options. Former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin expressed worries about the quality of players available, while bowling coach Morne Morkel highlighted the mental weariness that can arise from a busy schedule.
Bhuvneshwar was set to play in the fifth T20I after Arshdeep Singh suffered a shoulder injury. Unfortunately, heavy rain disrupted the match, and the decider was called off before Bhuvneshwar could take the field again.
### The Importance of Bhuvneshwar’s Return
Bhuvneshwar hasn’t played a T20I for India since November 2022. His selection for the New Zealand series comes as Jasprit Bumrah receives a rest, forcing India to rely on a younger pace attack along with Arshdeep Singh. Bhuvneshwar’s skill in swinging the new ball and executing plans in critical moments provides the bowling group with much-needed experience.
His return isn’t just about his past successes; after two strong IPL seasons, he now has a chance to demonstrate his value at the international level. India will be eager to see how his experience can enhance a bowling unit that has been seeking better control.
