India T20 captain Shreyas Iyer believes Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return will give the team’s bowling attack a much-needed boost. The Indian pacer is back in the T20I squad after four years and is expected to play an important role in the upcoming five-match series against New Zealand which will start from October 22.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Iyer admitted that India had been short of experience in the bowling department, particularly after the IPL, when several new bowlers came into the picture.

“Bhuvi brings a lot of experience to the team. And we were lacking that, especially after the IPL. We had a lot of new bowlers,” Iyer said.

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The Indian captain also pointed to Bhuvneshwar’s recent success in the IPL, where the fast bowler played a key role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s title-winning campaigns in 2025 and 2026.

India’s Bowling Attack Under Scrutiny

India’s bowling has faced questions in recent matches, especially when playing on batting-friendly pitches. In the absence of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, the team has struggled to contain opposition batters at times.

Young fast bowlers, including Mayank Yadav, Prince Yadav and Gurnoor Brar, have been part of the discussion as India looks to build a reliable bowling unit for the T20 format.

Bhuvneshwar’s return could help address some of those concerns. Known for his swing bowling and ability to move the ball both ways, the 36-year-old brings years of international experience to the side.

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He was initially expected to make his India comeback during the fifth T20I against the West Indies in Bengaluru. However, rain washed out the match, leaving his return on hold.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar Closing In On 100 T20I Wickets

Bhuvneshwar also has a major personal milestone within reach. The right-arm pacer has taken 90 wickets in men’s T20 internationals and needs 10 more to become the fifth Indian bowler to reach the 100-wicket mark.

Arshdeep Singh leads India’s wicket-takers in the format with 145 wickets, followed by Jasprit Bumrah with 126. Hardik Pandya has claimed 114 wickets, while Axar Patel has taken 113.

Bhuvneshwar has also picked up two five-wicket hauls and three four-wicket hauls in T20Is. His ability to make early breakthroughs and control the scoring rate has made him a valuable option in the shortest format.

A strong showing against New Zealand could bring him closer to the landmark while strengthening his case for a regular place in India’s T20I plans.

Veteran Pacer Eyes 300 International Wickets

Bhuvneshwar is also approaching another milestone in his international career. He has taken 294 wickets across Tests, ODIs and T20Is for India and needs six more to complete 300 international wickets.

Reaching the mark would make him the 14th Indian bowler overall and the ninth Indian fast bowler to achieve the feat.