Karthik praises selectors for recalling Bhuvneshwar to India T20I squad

On October 6, 2026, Dinesh Karthik praised the selectors for recalling Bhuvneshwar Kumar to India's T20I squad for the upcoming New Zealand series, saying the veteran had earned his place after a four-year absence from international cricket.

Bhuvneshwar last represented India in November 2022 and his recall follows two strong IPL seasons with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. PTI reported that his return did not occur while Ajit Agarkar was chairman of selectors, and that the recall became easier after Agarkar's departure with Pragyan Ojha taking over as interim chairman. The move also coincides with India seeking experience in their pace attack ahead of the New Zealand series.

Karthik welcomed the selection, praising the 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," he said. He added perspective on the variety India has tried among pacers recently: "Team India in the last year, they have tried all pacers. But if you actually look purely on skill, Bhuvi has been exceptional," he said. Karthik was part of the India group when Bhuvneshwar last played for the country and said he was particularly pleased to see the pacer given another opportunity.

Karthik underlined the specific attributes Bhuvneshwar brings to the side and described his match-role capabilities: "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," Karthik said. The report noted Bhuvneshwar's ability to swing the new ball both ways and to bowl at the death as reasons for his selection.

Selection dynamics were highlighted in PTI's account, which said the previous selection regime under Agarkar preferred younger options and did not revisit the experienced pacer. The recall also comes with Jasprit Bumrah rested for the New Zealand T20I series, creating a need for experience in the pace unit. PTI noted Bhuvneshwar's Powerplay skills offer India another option alongside Arshdeep Singh and the younger fast bowlers in the squad.

Bhuvneshwar's recent IPL form was central to his return: PTI reported he played an important part in RCB's back-to-back IPL title-winning campaigns, taking 17 wickets in 2025 and 28 in 2026. The article said his ability to produce movement with the new ball and trouble batters in the Powerplay remained a key part of his value after a difficult international patch following the 2022 T20 World Cup.

Karthik expressed personal satisfaction at the recall and reiterated his backing in several remarks. "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," he said. He also recalled discussions around the IPL mega auction: "When we were discussing for the mega auction, there was one name, Bhuvi, and you almost felt like you had to get him," and added, "I am so, so happy, and it couldn't happen to a nicer man." Reflecting on a past encounter, Karthik said: "When I saw you in the Hong Kong Sixes, I thought, 'Okay, captain of the Indian team, fantastic.' Now this news is even better," Karthik said.

Bhuvneshwar will return to the international setup for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand. The first match of that series is scheduled for October 22.