‘You can’t beat experience’: India coach explains Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s comeback

Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Getty Images) Ranchi: Center of Excellence VVS Laxman’s new role as head of the India selection and Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to the T20I squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand point to the same priority: better communication and more experience as India look to build on their current winning combination.Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said Jasprit Bumrah’s absence during parts of India’s recent program highlighted the value of an experienced bowler in the younger group.“We all know you can’t beat experience. Youngsters are also performing well but you need them at some stage,” Kotak said.The conditions in New Zealand may suit the 36-year-old Bhuvneshwar.“Bhuvneshwar has done really well in the IPL in the last two seasons. So the selectors must have thought that for New Zealand standards and at all, we need some experience,” Kotak said.Laxman’s inclusion in the selection meetings is to ensure that information about the players undergoing rehabilitation, particularly their fitness status, reaches the selectors directly.“(Head coach) Gautam (Gambhir) always talks to Laxman. That’s the normal procedure I have always seen,” Kotak said.Kotak said India’s victory will not come at the cost of developing their strength on the bench.“When you test your bench, if you win, the process continues. If you lose, there’s a very fine line between maintaining that balance,” he said.