The Board of Control for Cricket in India has announced the squad for the upcoming five match T20I series against New Zealand, with veteran fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar returning to the national setup after nearly four years.
The 16 member Indian squad will be led by Shreyas Iyer, while Tilak Varma has been appointed vice captain. The biggest talking point from the selection is the return of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who last represented India in T20I cricket in November 2022. His recall brings considerable experience to India's pace attack ahead of the New Zealand series.
Bhuvneshwar has remained an experienced figure in Indian cricket despite being away from the national team for an extended period. His recent performances in the Indian Premier League have helped bring him back into consideration. Playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he claimed 45 wickets across the 2025 and 2026 IPL seasons and was part of the team that won consecutive IPL titles.
His return is particularly notable because his last international appearance came against New Zealand in November 2022. The upcoming series will therefore give the right arm pacer an opportunity to return to international cricket in the same country where he last played for India in the format.
Bhuvneshwar is expected to add experience and swing bowling options to India's pace attack. He joins Arshdeep Singh, Mayank Yadav and Prince Yadav in the fast bowling group selected for the series. The spin department includes Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav.
Shreyas Iyer will continue as India's T20I captain. The middle order batter has been entrusted with leading the side for the five match series, while Tilak Varma will serve as his deputy. The leadership combination will be looking to build momentum ahead of India's future white ball assignments.
The batting group includes several familiar names. Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma are among the players selected alongside captain Iyer. Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan provide wicketkeeping options, while the squad also contains several all rounders.
Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Naman Dhir have been included as all round options. Their presence gives the team additional flexibility in both batting and bowling combinations.
One notable omission is Jasprit Bumrah. The premier Indian fast bowler has not been included in the T20I squad for the New Zealand tour. Reports indicate that the management is managing his workload with the longer format assignments on the tour also in consideration. India are scheduled to play five T20Is, followed by five ODIs and two Tests against New Zealand, although the squads for the ODI and Test series will be announced separately.
India's T20I series against New Zealand will begin on October 22 in Christchurch. The second match will also be played in Christchurch on October 24. The teams will then travel to Wellington for the third T20I on October 27.
The fourth match is scheduled to take place in Auckland on October 30, before the series concludes with the fifth T20I in Hamilton on November 1.
The series will provide India with an opportunity to assess several players ahead of future international commitments. For Bhuvneshwar, the tour represents a significant return to the national side after a long absence.
His selection also highlights the value of experience and recent domestic and franchise performances in the selection process. The veteran pacer has continued to perform effectively in the IPL, and his ability to move the ball could be particularly useful in New Zealand conditions. The International Cricket Council also noted that his swing bowling could be an important asset on the tour.
India will have a mix of experienced players and younger talents in the squad. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is among the younger members of the group, while players such as Iyer, Axar, Dube, Samson and Bhuvneshwar bring significant experience.
The selection also provides an opportunity for India's emerging players to strengthen their positions in the national setup. The five match format will allow the management to test different combinations and evaluate players in overseas conditions.
For Bhuvneshwar, the immediate challenge will be to translate his recent form into international performances. His experience of playing in New Zealand and his ability to generate movement with the new ball could make him an important part of India's plans.
The return of the senior pacer also adds another dimension to India's bowling options. With Arshdeep Singh, Mayank Yadav and Prince Yadav also selected, India have a combination of experience and pace available for the series. Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav provide specialist spin options.
The New Zealand series will be an important part of India's preparation for future T20I competitions. The management will have the opportunity to assess players in different conditions while also giving established members of the squad valuable international match practice.
Bhuvneshwar's comeback is likely to attract considerable attention throughout the series. After almost four years away from international cricket, the experienced pacer will have an opportunity to demonstrate that his recent form can translate successfully to the international level.
India's first T20I against New Zealand will take place in Christchurch on October 22. With Shreyas Iyer leading the side and Bhuvneshwar Kumar returning to the national setup, the five match series will mark an important phase in India's T20I plans.
India T20I Squad
Shreyas Iyer Captain
Abhishek Sharma
Sanju Samson Wicketkeeper
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Ishan Kishan Wicketkeeper
Tilak Varma Vice Captain
Axar Patel
Shivam Dube
Nitish Kumar Reddy
Naman Dhir
Prince Yadav
Mayank Yadav
Arshdeep Singh
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Varun Chakaravarthy
Kuldeep Yadav
