Ranchi, October 8 (Daily Kiran) : Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak believes that the return of experienced fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar to the Indian T20 squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand is largely due to his impressive form in the IPL and his vast experience in foreign conditions.
Bhuvneshwar earned his spot back on the team after a standout performance in IPL 2026, where he took 28 wickets and played a pivotal role in helping the Royal Challengers Bangalore defend their title. He finished the season as the second-highest wicket-taker, narrowly missing out on the Purple Cap to Kagiso Rabada by just one wicket.
The last time Bhuvneshwar played an international match was in November 2022 in New Zealand, where he participated in a T20 format game. Over his career, he has claimed 90 wickets in 87 T20 matches for India, maintaining an average of 23.10.
Ahead of the second T20 match against the West Indies in Ranchi, Kotak addressed the media, stating, “One thing is clear: the selectors have chosen him. I can only share my perspective. During my time in England, I felt that in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and among new bowlers, experience is irreplaceable. While the younger players are performing well and getting selected, experience becomes crucial at certain stages. This could be one reason for his selection. Additionally, Bhuvneshwar has been performing exceptionally well in the IPL for the past two seasons. The selectors likely considered the conditions in New Zealand and his current form, realizing the need for experience.”
Kotak reiterated that the selection doors remain open for any player in the senior squad, including veteran pacer Mohammad Shami. “First and foremost, I am not a selector, so it’s hard for me to comment. However, Shami is also playing well. If the selectors believe he is performing and that the team needs him, any player can be chosen,” he said.
Discussing VVS Laxman, head of the Center of Excellence (COE), Kotak praised his dedication to fulfilling the needs of the senior team. “To be honest, I don’t know the details. I only know what you just mentioned: that any injury-related information will come from Laxman. I believe the BCCI has made this decision thoughtfully. I have worked with VVS Laxman at the COE for three years. He is very principled and always emphasizes that our first responsibility is to fulfill the needs of the Indian team,” he added.
Kotak also dismissed any notion of a rift between the senior team management and the development unit, stating that head coach Gautam Gambhir and Laxman remain in constant communication. “I personally don’t have any information on that. I know that Gautam and Laxman are always in touch. If there’s a need, Gautam speaks with Laxman. If something is overlooked, it’s a normal process I’ve always observed. So, there’s nothing new about it.”
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