Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to India: Sitanshu Kotak explains reason for T20I call-up

India take on the West Indies in the second T20I in Ranchi on Thursday, but the pre-match conversation has not been limited to the ongoing series. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s selection for the upcoming New Zealand T20I was one of the key points at the pre-match press conference in India, despite the veteran pacer not being part of the squad currently in Ranchi.

His recall after almost four years away from international T20 cricket naturally raised questions and assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak offered an insight into why the 36-year-old was brought back into the T20I fold.

Bhuvneshwar last played for India in November 2022, but his impressive performances for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the last two Indian Premier League seasons have forced his way into the selection conversation. The veteran pacer played a key role in RCB’s back-to-back title triumphs in 2025 and 2026, taking 45 wickets in both campaigns.

But for Kotak, it’s not just about the numbers. WITH India’s T20I bowling squad featuring some young pacersthe value of an experienced campaigner who understands the demands of international cricket cannot be overlooked.

EXPERIENCE MATTER

“One thing is obviously with the selectors, but I can give you an answer based on what I think,” Kotak said at the pre-match media interaction in Ranchi.

“I personally felt it in England When Bumrah is not here and there are a lot of young bowlers playing, experience cannot be beat.“

Jasprit Bumrah’s absence during this England assignment seems to have strengthened Kotaku’s belief that the young bowling group can benefit from the presence of a seasoned batsman.

“Young bowlers are good, they perform well and get selected, but at some stage you also need some experience,” he said.

However, this experience is not the only reason why Bhuvneshwar was brought back. His performances in the IPL also strengthened his case, with the pacer continuing to produce at the highest level of domestic T20 cricket.

“That could be one of the reasons. Another thing is that Bhuvneshwar has done really well in the IPL in the last two seasons,” Kotak said.

“So the selectors must have thought that by New Zealand standards and all, he’s obviously done well and we need some experience.”

Bhuvneshwar’s return therefore appears to be a combination of two factors: the consistency he has shown in the IPL and the experience he can bring to a bowling unit that continues to develop its next generation of fast bowlers.

“They had to pick him. That’s what I think, unless you think otherwise,” Kotak added.

SHAMI STILL IN THE MIX

Bhuvneshwar’s comeback too revived questions about Mohammed Shami, who remains out of the current T20I setup despite continuing to play domestic cricket.

Shami last played for India in the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in March 2025 and has since worked his way back through domestic cricket with encouraging performances.

The Bengal pacer remains an experienced option for India, but Kotak was careful not to speculate on what the selectors might do next.

“First of all, I’m not a selector so it’s difficult for me to tell you. But Shami is also playing and doing well,” Kotak said.

The assistant coach left the door open for Shami and hinted that his performances will continue to be judged according to the team’s requirements.

“If the selectors feel he is doing well and the team has a requirement, then any player can be picked,” he added.

INDIA LOOK TO EXTEND RUN

While discussions surrounding Bhuvneshwar and Shami dominated part of the press conference, India’s immediate focus remains on the West Indies and extending their impressive winning streak.

India are on a 10-match winning streak after opening the five-match T20I series against West Indies with an emphatic eight-wicket win.

After winning the previous ODI series 2-1, India will look to carry that momentum into the second T20I in Ranchi and take another step towards another series win.

However, Kotak emphasized that India’s pursuit of results will not come at the expense of developing strength on the bench.

“To be honest, when you’re testing your bench, if you win, the process continues. If you lose, there’s a very fine line between maintaining that balance,” he said.

“But of course we are trying. The promising players we have, the way the BCCI is running the system and the way the bench strength is developing, even if two or three of our teams play, they would look strong.”

India’s depth has been one of the defining features of their recent success, with opportunities increasingly given to players who could become an important part of the squad in the future.

However, Kotak acknowledged that providing these opportunities can sometimes come at the expense of more established names.

“But if you give new players a chance, some experienced players will miss out,” he said.

“Somewhere, when the opponent also plays well and it’s an even match, at that moment you feel like you’re winning.”

For now, India’s immediate focus is on the West Indies, with the second T20I in Ranchi offering another chance to extend their winning run while continuing to assess their options going forward. The debate over Bhuvneshwar can wait, but his return has certainly added another interesting dimension to India’s unfolding T20I plans.

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