Bhuvneshwar Kumar should be first choice with new ball in New Zealand, says Cheteshwar Pujara

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been named in India's T20 squad for the five-match series against New Zealand beginning October 22, 2026. The pacer last played for India in November 2022 and brings significant international experience to the squad. Shreyas Iyer will captain India with Tilak Varma as vice-captain for the series.

Cheteshwar Pujara, speaking as an expert on JioHotstar's 'Out or Not Out' programme, has backed Bhuvneshwar to lead India's pace attack in the New Zealand conditions.

"In New Zealand, I agree that he should be the first choice with the new ball, based on the conditions, because of the skill he possesses of swinging the ball. If the ball won't swing in New Zealand, where else will it swing? The conditions there are ideal for him. If there is a little help from the pitch, he can extract that movement from the pitch very well with the new ball," Pujara said on JioStar.

What makes Bhuvneshwar's record stand out?

Bhuvneshwar has played 87 T20 Internationals, taking 90 wickets at an average of 23.10 with an economy rate of 6.96. His record demonstrates consistency across formats and conditions over a long international career. In IPL 2026, he took 28 wickets at an economy rate of 7.95 as Bengaluru defended their title, showcasing his ability to perform in high-pressure tournaments.

Abhishek Nayar highlighted that despite flat pitches in the IPL, Bhuvneshwar has regularly bowled in the toughest phases of the game, opening and closing innings for two consecutive years. This consistency on batting-friendly surfaces underscores his value as a bowler who can adapt and deliver under pressure.

"In the IPL, there aren't seaming conditions, there are flat pitches. Yet, for two years, he has been bowling two overs at the top and two at the back end, the toughest phases of the game. To do that, you need experience, you need a bowler who understands the conditions and can extract the best out of those conditions, and there has never been a question about Bhuvneshwar Kumar. I am so, so happy that Bhuvi has got a chance because, for so many years, he has been the kind of bowler that Cheteshwar Pujara was as a batter," Nayar said.

"You don't notice them until you notice them. When you go and open their stats, you see performance and consistency, whether they are playing domestic cricket, the DY Patil tournament, or the IPL. So, I'm very happy that he's in the team," he added.

Jasprit Bumrah was not selected for the New Zealand T20 series, leaving space for Bhuvneshwar to feature prominently in India's pace attack. The squad announcement came ahead of the series beginning October 22, 2026.