Bhuvneshwar Kumar brings the experience that Indian bowling has lacked: Shreyas Iyer
India’s bowling attack has had a tough time keeping the opposition batsmen in check and Shreyas Iyer believes the return of Bhuvneshwar Kumar could help solve the problem. The veteran pacer is back in the T20I setup after almost four years, with India hoping his experience will make the difference against New Zealand.
At the pre-match press conference ahead of the series opener in Christchurch on Thursday, Iyer admitted that India lacked experienced bowlers in the sideespecially after the IPL, as several new faces entered the attack.
“Bhuvi brings a lot of experience to the team. And we missed 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, which 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 the format,” Iyer added.
The 36-year-old has racked up 45 goals in two seasons, including 28 in 2026, and has earned his recall more through his performances than his reputation alone.
INDIAN BOWLING BOWLING BOWLING COMES TO CENTRAL
India’s recent T20I series against the West Indies offered a stark reminder of this challenge. The visitors have scored 171, 252, 209 and 247 in the four matches played, leaving India with 879 runs to contend with in these innings.
The results also raised questions about India’s bowling depth. Former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin expressed concerns about the quality of options available, while bowling coach Morne Morkel spoke of the mental fatigue that can come with a busy schedule.
Bhuvneshwar was named in India’s playing eleven for the fifth T20I after Arshdeep Singh injured his shoulder. However, persistent rain marred the match and the decision was eventually abandoned before the veteran pacer could return to the field.
WHY THE RETURN OF BHUVNESHWARA 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 rely on a younger 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 the veteran’s past achievements. After two productive IPL seasons, Bhuvneshwar has another chance to show he can still make a difference at the 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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