Ravichandran Ashwin believes Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s recall to India’s T20I squad is a richly deserved reward for sustained excellence rather than the product of any orchestrated comeback bid. Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former India off-spinner said the 36-year-old seamer had simply concentrated on performing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL, adding: “His recall is the reward for his success. He never chased that reward; he simply did his job and success followed.”
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who has 90 wickets from 87 T20Is, was named in India’s squad for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand beginning on October 24 — his first international call-up in the shortest format since November 2022, when he last faced the Black Caps. The selection, announced on October 6, was among the biggest talking points of the squad reveal.
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, speaking to the ICC ahead of the West Indies series, indicated that both form and conditions had weighed on the selectors’ thinking. “Bhuvneshwar has been doing really well in the IPL for the last two seasons,” Kotak said. “The selectors must have thought that for New Zealand conditions. And obviously, he has been doing well, and we need some experience. You can’t beat experience.”
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s IPL Form Forced the Selectors’ Hand
The numbers behind the recall are compelling. Bhuvneshwar Kumar claimed 17 wickets for RCB in the 2025 IPL season and followed it with 28 scalps in 2026, playing a central role as the franchise secured back-to-back titles. Former chief selector MSK Prasad, speaking to India Today, argued that 72 wickets across the last three to four IPL editions made the 36-year-old impossible to ignore.
Prasad described the inclusion as “wonderful”, while adding that he was less certain about Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s prospects in the ODI format. “For the class that he has, he can still play” in T20 cricket, the former selector said.
Ashwin Sees Shami Door Open After Bhuvneshwar Kumar Recall
Ashwin also suggested that Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return could keep the door ajar for Mohammed Shami, whose international future remains the subject of fierce debate. With Ajit Agarkar no longer part of the selection set-up, Ashwin said the BCCI appeared to be leaning back towards experience — particularly with Jasprit Bumrah’s workload being carefully managed.
Without Bumrah, he argued, India’s attack could look vulnerable, and the selectors seemed to be placing a renewed premium on know-how. “I wouldn’t say that the door is shut on Shami either,” Ashwin added. “But I am extremely happy that Bhuvneshwar has broken down the door for his selection.”
Shami’s case has no shortage of advocates. The Bengal pacer began the new Ranji Trophy season with four wickets against Delhi from 17.3 overs, and his domestic record for 2025-26 stands at 47 wickets in 16 matches with a best of eight for 90. His last T20I came against England in February 2025, while his most recent ODI was the Champions Trophy meeting with New Zealand in March 2025.
Ex-Selector Prasad Wants Shami Back for New Zealand and Australia
Prasad went further than Ashwin, explicitly demanding Shami’s return. The former chief selector said he would like to see the senior quick in India’s squads for the upcoming Test and ODI series in New Zealand — and for the home series against Australia that follows.
“Someone like Shami, who was your top performer in 2015, 2019, and 2023, and still he’s doing well — I would love to see him in the New Zealand series,” Prasad said, adding that he would also like to see the quick considered for the home series against Australia, with opportunities handed out from now on.
Not everyone is convinced. Former India opener Aakash Chopra has cautioned that most of the current selectors remain unconvinced about Shami because of fitness and age concerns, stressing that selection panels decide collectively. Shami himself has struck a philosophical note, saying his focus is on Bengal’s Ranji Trophy campaign and that missing another India call would “not be my loss”.
For now, though, the spotlight belongs to Bhuvneshwar Kumar — a bowler who, in Ashwin’s words, went on his own journey, did his job, and let success follow. If Bhuvneshwar Kumar seizes his chance against New Zealand, the debate over India’s veteran pacers is only just beginning.