India’s experienced fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar could play a crucial role in the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, with former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara backing him to lead the pace attack. Pujara believes the conditions in New Zealand could suit Bhuvneshwar’s swing bowling, making him a strong option with the new ball when the series begins on October 22, 2026.

Bhuvneshwar has returned to India’s T20I squad after last representing the country in November 2022. His selection provides the team with an experienced bowling option, particularly with Jasprit Bumrah missing from the squad. Shreyas Iyer will captain India during the series, with Tilak Varma appointed as vice-captain.

Speaking on JioHotstar’s Out or Not Out programme, Cheteshwar Pujara explained why Bhuvneshwar should be among India’s first choices in New Zealand, where conditions can offer assistance to swing bowlers. “In New Zealand, I agree that he should be the first choice with the new ball, based on the conditions, because of the skill he possesses of swinging the ball. If the ball won’t swing in New Zealand, where else will it swing? The conditions there are ideal for him. If there is a little help from the pitch, he can extract that movement from the pitch very well with the new ball,” Pujara said on JioStar.

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Bhuvneshwar’s international record highlights his experience in the shortest format. He has played 87 T20 Internationals, claiming 90 wickets at an average of 23.10 and an economy rate of 6.96. His ability to control the scoring rate while generating movement makes him a valuable option for India in challenging conditions.

The right-arm pacer also enjoyed an impressive IPL 2026 campaign, taking 28 wickets at an economy rate of 7.95 as Royal Challengers Bengaluru defended their title. His performances demonstrated that he can remain effective even when batting-friendly pitches offer limited assistance to fast bowlers.

Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar also praised Bhuvneshwar’s consistency, particularly his ability to handle the demanding opening and closing overs in T20 cricket.

“In the IPL, there aren’t seaming conditions, there are flat pitches. Yet, for two years, he has been bowling two overs at the top and two at the back end, the toughest phases of the game. To do that, you need experience, you need a bowler who understands the conditions and can extract the best out of those conditions, and there has never been a question about Bhuvneshwar Kumar,” Abhishek Nayar said.

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Nayar further highlighted how Bhuvneshwar’s performances often go unnoticed despite his consistent contributions across domestic competitions and the IPL. “You don’t notice them until you notice them. When you go and open their stats, you see performance and consistency, whether they are playing domestic cricket, the DY Patil tournament, or the IPL. So, I’m very happy that he’s in the team,” he added.

With Bumrah unavailable, India will look to Bhuvneshwar’s experience and swing bowling to strengthen their pace attack. The New Zealand series offers the veteran an opportunity to make a significant impact on his return to international T20 cricket.