Bhuvneshwar Kumar Makes Comeback As BCCI Announces India’s T20I Squad For New Zealand Series

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the Indian squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which is scheduled to start from October 22.

One of the biggest talking points from the squad is the return of veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The experienced fast bowler has been recalled after an impressive campaign with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2026.

Bhuvneshwar last played a T20I for India in 2022, when the team faced New Zealand. His return gives the Indian team another experienced option in the pace department.

Hardik Pandya Misses Out

Hardik Pandya has not been picked for the series as he continues his recovery from the injury he suffered during the IPL.

The all-rounder has been an important part of India’s T20I setup in recent years, but the selectors have decided against rushing him back into action.

Jasprit Bumrah Rested

India’s premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has also been left out of the T20I squad.

With the ODI World Cup scheduled to be played in South Africa next year, the team management is expected to carefully manage Bumrah’s workload. His absence from the T20I series will allow him to get additional rest ahead of the longer ODI schedule.

 India vs New Zealand T20I series schedule

India’s T20I Squad: Shreyas Iyer [C], Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson [WK], Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan [WK], Tilak Varma [VC], Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav