Indian batting coach Sitanshu Kotak opens up on Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s selection for the Indian team for the T20I series against New Zealand.
Published: October 8, 2026, 10:51 PM IST
Share Article
https://www.india.com/sports/cricket/sitanshu-kotak-reveals-why-bhuvneshwar-kumar-returned-to-indias-t20i-team-8534182/
Indian batting coach Sitanshu Kotak opens up on Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s India selection
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s good form in the IPL and his experience of playing in other countries helped him get back into India’s T20I team for the New Zealand series.
Bhuvneshwar returned to the Indian team after a strong IPL 2026 seasonHe played an important role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s title win and took 28 wicketsHe was the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament and missed the Purple Cap by just one wicket to Kagiso Rabada.
Bhuvneshwar last played for India in a T20I against New Zealand in November 2022He has played 87 T20Is for India and taken 90 wickets at an average of 23.10His economy rate in the format is 6.96.
“See, one thing obviously is selectors picked it, but still I can give you an answer on what I think because in England, I also personally felt that with Bumrah not being around and all the new bowlers – like young bowlers were playing, and we all know that you can’t beat experience.
“You see, they also are good and performing well and getting selectedBut at some stage you also need some experienceSo, I am just thinking that might be one reasonAnother thing is Bhuvneshwar has been doing really well in IPL for the last two seasons.
“So, selectors must have thought that for New Zealand conditions and all, and obviously he has been doing well and we need some experienceThey must have picked himThat’s what I can think of unless you can think something different,” Kotak said in a press conference.
Kotak again said that the senior team is still open to all players, including experienced pacer Mohammed Shami“First of all, I am not a selectorSo, it is difficult for me to tell you thatBut Shami is also playing, and he is also doing wellIf selectors feel that he is doing well and the team has a requirement, then any player can be selected.”
