Former India player turned commentator Aakash Chopra has said that there is a hidden story behind Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s selection for the T20I series against New Zealand as well. He added that the swing bowler has potentially been picked
in T20Is to create a pathway for his selection for the 2027 ODI World Cup as well.

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, ‘Aakash Chopra,’ he said, “This selection could have happened in June or July when they went to Ireland and England. If only the performance had to be rewarded, the selection could have happened then. You didn’t select him there. I think they have made a pivot. It seems like he would do well in the excellent conditions in New Zealand. If he performs well there, they would slowly open the path to ODIs.”

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“I think that is where we are trying to go. You tried a few people in between and are not fully convinced. So, you said, why not bring Bhuvneshwar Kumar back into the fold from the South Africa perspective? I see this opportunity from that lens. I feel this selection is not only for T20Is. Another story is hidden behind this selection,” he further added.

However, Aakash Chopra also applauded Bhuvneshwar Kumar for performing consistently and keeping himself fit.

“He kept himself ready – that he would keep picking up wickets and making his team win, and eventually, whenever the door opens, he would be standing there. You have to give him credit for that. There are no fitness issues. He is not a fast bowler who gets injured that easily, fingers crossed,” he said.

“This was the final chance. If you had not taken him to New Zealand, the next tour is Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe after that, who will come home, and then it will be the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the IPL, and if you had not made him a part of the ODI or T20I team until the IPL, there wouldn’t have been any time left after that. This is the last and final opportunity,” he concluded.