Ranchi, Oct. 8 -- India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak asserted that seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar's experience and strong Indian Premier League (IPL) performances have played a key role in his return to the national team after four years.

Kotak noted that with Jasprit Bumrah absent and several young bowlers featuring in England, the selectors may have felt the need for an experienced campaigner, particularly for the upcoming series in New Zealand.

Bhuvneshwar's India career had been on hold since the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final against England in Adelaide. Nearly four years later, the 36-year-old has earned a long-awaited recall to the national side after impressing with a string of consistent performances in the IPL.

Kotak was speaking to...