Former India chief selector MSK Prasad has backed Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to the national T20I setup following his impressive performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, the former selector has also urged the Indian team management to consider Mohammed Shami for a comeback in Test and ODI cricket, citing the veteran pacer’s continued strong form in domestic cricket. As India prepares for a multi-format tour of New Zealand, Prasad believes selectors should give experienced players opportunities based on their performances rather than overlook them.
While Bhuvneshwar has earned another opportunity in T20I cricket, Prasad feels Shami’s recent performances also deserve serious consideration. The Bengal fast bowler has not represented India since the Champions Trophy triumph in 2025. Bhuvneshwar Kumar returned to India’s squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, with the announcement coming shortly before Ajit Agarkar’s tenure as chairman of the selection committee was due to end.
Although Prasad refrained from speculating about the timing of the decision, he welcomed the experienced pacer’s inclusion. Bhuvneshwar has enjoyed an outstanding IPL run, taking 17 wickets for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in 2025 before claiming 28 wickets in 2026. His performances played an important role in the franchise’s consecutive title-winning campaigns.
Speaking to India Today, Prasad said, “I don’t know about the timing, but I think it’s a wonderful inclusion. Because someone who’s got 72 wickets in the last three-four editions of the IPL thoroughly deserves to be there.”
Bhuvneshwar last played a T20I for India against New Zealand in November 2022. Despite the lengthy absence, Prasad believes the 36-year-old still possesses the skills required to succeed in the shortest format. However, he expressed uncertainty about the pacer’s prospects in ODI cricket. “I don’t know Bhuvi in an ODI format, but he will stick to the T20 format. For the class that he has, he can still play,” Prasad added.
Prasad also made a strong case for Mohammed Shami’s return to international cricket. The experienced fast bowler began the new Ranji Trophy season with four wickets against Delhi, demonstrating his ability to contribute in red-ball cricket.
Shami’s international future has remained uncertain amid questions about his fitness and workload. Nevertheless, Prasad believes his proven record in major tournaments and recent domestic performances make him a strong candidate for selection. The former chief selector specifically backed Shami’s inclusion in India’s upcoming Test and ODI assignments against New Zealand. He also suggested that the pacer should be considered for India’s home series against Australia.
“Someone like Shami, who was your top performer in 2015, 2019, and 2023, and still he’s doing well, I would love to see him in the New Zealand series. I would love to see him even in an Indian series against Australia,” MSK Prasad said.
He further stressed that India should begin giving experienced players opportunities now if they are expected to contribute in upcoming international assignments. With Bhuvneshwar back in the T20I picture, Shami’s potential return could become another major selection talking point, depending on his fitness, workload and continued performances.
