'You can't beat experience' - Sitanshu Kotak explains Bhuvneshwar Kumar's T20I recall

A five-match T20I series against New Zealand will mark Bhuvneshwar Kumar's return to Indian colours for the first time since November 2022.

The veteran seamer's selection drew immediate attention, and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak addressed the decision ahead of India's second T20I against the West Indies at Ranchi, offering his own reading of the thinking behind it. The batting coach pointed to India's difficult outing in England as a telling reference. During the T20I series there in July, the visitors conceded 808 runs in 72.5 overs at an economy rate of 11.09, a figure that exposed how heavily the attack depended on pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.

"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, as quoted by India Express.

Why has Bhuvneshwar Kumar been recalled to the India T20I squad?

Bhuvneshwar's sustained form in the Indian Premier League strengthened the case for his return considerably. Over the past two IPL seasons, the 36-year-old claimed 48 wickets in 30 matches for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, playing a central role as the franchise lifted consecutive titles. That body of recent evidence gave selectors a clear and current measure of his ability at the highest domestic level. Kotak linked those IPL numbers directly to the conditions that await India in New Zealand.

"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.

The combination of conditions awareness, consistent wicket-taking and the steadying influence he brings to the bowling group all fed into the selectors' thinking.

What did Kotak say about Mohammed Shami's selection prospects?

Kotak was also asked about Mohammed Shami, who has returned to competitive cricket after a lengthy injury absence and has shown encouraging form. The batting coach was careful to draw a clear line between his own role and that of the selection panel.

"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," Kotak said.

The remarks indicate that Shami remains in the selectors' thinking, though no confirmed decision on his inclusion for the New Zealand series or any subsequent assignment had been announced at the time Kotak spoke.