India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said selectors may have recalled 36-year-old Bhuvneshwar Kumar for the T20I series against New Zealand because of his experience and recent IPL form.
Kumar had not played for India since November 2022. He was named in the squad for the upcoming five-match series against New Zealand. Kotak recalled that India needed experience among its bowlers during the recent England tour, when Jasprit Bumrah was also unavailable.
Kotak said selectors made the decision, but Kumar’s performances in the past two IPL seasons may have weighed in his favour. The coach added that any player could be selected if the team needed him and his form was strong.
Speaking at a press conference before India’s second T20I against the West Indies, Kotak also addressed the participation of BCCI Centre of Excellence head V.V.S. Laxman in selection meetings. Kotak said that during their three years working together, he had seen Laxman rearrange plans whenever the national team urgently needed a player.