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Bhuvneshwar Kumar makes stunning return to India T20I squad for New Zealand tour
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News18•06-10-2026, 21:06
Bhuvneshwar Kumar makes stunning return to India T20I squad for New Zealand tour
- •Fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar has returned to the Indian T20I squad after an absence of nearly four years, following a stellar performance as the second-highest wicket-taker in the 2026 IPL.
- •Spinner Ravi Bishnoi has been dropped from the squad and replaced by Varun Chakaravarthy, who returns after recovering from an injury sustained in September.
- •Team India is set to play a five-match T20I series in New Zealand starting on October 22 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
- •Senior fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and all-rounder Washington Sundar have been rested and are not part of the 16-member squad led by captain Shreyas Iyer.
- •Fourteen players from the ongoing series against the West Indies have retained their places for the upcoming New Zealand tour.
Key Questions Answered
Bhuvneshwar Kumar last played for India in November 2022 against New Zealand before making his comeback to the national team for the 2026 five-match T20I series.
Varun Chakaravarthy replaced the dropped spinner Ravi Bishnoi in India's 16-member T20I squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand.
The first T20I of the five-match series between India and New Zealand is scheduled to take place at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on October 22, 2026.
