Kotak: Selectors must have viewed Bhuvneshwar as useful for New Zealand after recall

Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak addressed the media at the JSCA Stadium on Thursday (October 8, 2026) after Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s recall to India’s T20I squad for the upcoming New Zealand series generated discussion ahead of the second T20I against the West Indies.

Kotak, who is not a selector or a bowling specialist, said he was speaking only for himself when asked about the decision and pointed to the selectors as the obvious decision-makers. "The obvious thing is it’s the selectors [who made the decision]. I can give you an answer on what I think. In England, I felt we needed experience along with the young bowlers as Jasprit Bumrah was also not available there. We all know that you can’t beat experience," Kotak said at the JSCA Stadium on Thursday (October 8, 2026).

Kotak noted Bhuvneshwar’s recent IPL form while discussing the recall and linked that performance to the selectors’ likely reasoning. "Bhuvneshwar has been doing really well in the IPL for the last two seasons, so the selectors must have thought that he would be useful in New Zealand," he elaborated.

When the subject of Mohammed Shami’s prospects came up, Kotak offered a short explanation of selection criteria rather than a prediction about that player. "If the selectors feel that he is doing well and the team has a requirement, then any player can be selected," he said.

Kotak also responded to debate over the BCCI’s choice to include Centre of Excellence head V.V.S. Laxman in selection meetings, describing Laxman’s commitment from personal experience. "I believe the BCCI took that decision for a purpose. I have worked with Laxman for three years in the CoE. He used to tell us that if the Indian team has any requirement, then our first duty is to do it. We used to postpone our leaves if an important player [came to the CoE] and the Indian team wanted him immediately. That's how committed Laxman is. So, whatever role he will be in, I am sure that Laxman will think about what is best for Indian cricket," Kotak said.

India are preparing for the second T20I against the West Indies, with the New Zealand series set to follow in a good two weeks.