Team India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has opened up on the veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to the Indian T20I team for the forthcoming New Zealand tour, which will commence later this month.
Speaking in the pre-match press conference ahead of the second T20I against the West Indies, Kotak asserted that at some stage, the Indian team requires some experience and that could be one of the key reasons behind the selectors opting for the veteran pacer.
“Obviously, it’s the selectors’ (decision), but still I can give you an answer (based on) what I think. Because in England, I also personally felt with Bumrah not being around and with all the new bowlers playing, we all know that you can’t beat experience. They also are good and performing well and getting selected, but at some stage you also need some experience. So, I am just thinking that might be one reason,” Kotak said on the eve of India’s second T20I against the West Indies in Ranchi on Thursday.
“Another thing is that Bhuvaneshwar has been doing really well in the IPL for the last two seasons. Selectors must have also based their decision on the New Zealand conditions. And obviously, he has been doing well and we need some experience,” he added.
Speaking about his T20I record, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has played 87 games, picking up 90 wickets at an average of 23.1 and an economy of 6.96 with two five-wicket hauls. Further, Kotak was asked about Mohammed Shami’s return. Notably, Shami last played for India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
“I am not a selector, so I won’t be the right person to comment on Shami’s selection. But yes, Shami is playing well. If the selectors feel that he will be required by the team, then yes, anyone can be selected,” he concluded.
