Dinesh Karthik hails selectors' courage in recalling Bhuvneshwar Kumar

India has recalled medium-pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand starting October 24. The 36-year-old's return comes after an absence of nearly four years, with his last T20I appearance in New Zealand in November 2022. The BCCI selection committee under Pragyan Ojha made the decision to bring him back into the squad.

Bhuvneshwar earned the recall following an impressive IPL 2026 campaign with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He claimed 28 wickets at an economy rate of 7.95 during the tournament, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker as the franchise successfully defended its title. His league form proved decisive in the selection committee's decision.

"It's taken four years to pick him back in that Indian team. Firstly, well done, selectors, to have the courage to pick someone," Karthik was quoted as saying by India Today.

"Team India in the last year, they have tried all pacers. But if you actually look purely on skill, Bhuvi has been exceptional. The quality that he brings is brilliant. He can bowl with a new ball, swing it both ways, and then at the death, he can handle pressure," he added.

Recognition of performance and character

Karthik opined that Bhuvneshwar should look to enjoy the rest of his career in international cricket after having to wait for nearly four years.

"I just genuinely wish he goes out there and enjoys the rest of the time that he plays international cricket. He deserves it purely on performance," Karthik said.

Bhuvneshwar's career record in T20I cricket underscores his experience at the highest level. The pacer has played 87 T20Is, taking 90 wickets at a bowling average of 23.10 and an economy rate of 6.96. These statistics demonstrate his consistency and effectiveness in the shortest format over his international career.

Apart from Bhuvneshwar, India have picked three more fast bowlers in the side: Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, and Mayank Yadav. Nitish kumar Reddy and Shivam Dube are the seam-bowling all-rounders in the line-up.