India, Oct. 9 -- Bhuvneshwar Kumar's loads of experience, coupled with his strong IPL form over the past two seasons, has led to his recall in India's T20I squad for the New Zealand series, assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak said here on Wednesday.

The 36-year-old veteran pacer, who last played for India in the November 2022 New Zealand series, has earned a well-deserved return to the national side after impressive performances for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL, having played a key role in RCB's back-to-back title triumphs in 2025 and 2026. Bhuvneshwar had taken 45 wickets across two seasons (17 in 2025 and 28 in 2026).

India will face New Zealand in a T20I series after the ongoing five-match engagement against the West Indies, and...