Former Indian cricketer and analyst Cheteshwar Pujara has expressed his surprise over the veteran Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s T20I comeback for the forthcoming New Zealand tour, scheduled for this month.
On Tuesday, October 6, the BCCI named India’s T20I squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which will commence on October 22. Bhuvneshwar, who last represented India in November 2022, has been named in the squad.
Speaking to Cricinfo on the veteran pacer’s comeback, Pujara termed him one of the most talented and skilful bowlers he has seen in Indian cricket. Further, he was surprised to see the veteran make a comeback.
“Yes, it was surprising. I never thought he would make a comeback, but it’s a great call. I would agree with that call because someone like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who is so talented, probably one of the most talented and skillful bowlers I’ve seen in Indian cricket,” Pujara said on Cricinfo.
“Unfortunately, he hasn’t been part of India’s, either the T20 or the ODI setup, which is very surprising, but it’s good that he has made a comeback. Really happy for him because he has worked hard on his game. He has worked hard on his fitness. He has won two titles for the RCB team. He has bowled exceptionally well, and he deserves this chance. I hope he does well when he gets his opportunity to be part of the playing 11 in New Zealand,” he added.
It’s important to note that Bhuvneshwar has picked up 90 wickets in 87 T20Is at an average of 23.10 and an economy rate of 6.96. The star pacer ended as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) leading wicket-taker in the IPL 2026 season, scalping 28 wickets in 16 matches at an average of 17.89 and an economy rate of 7.95.
