India coach Sitanshu Kotak explains Bhuvneshwar Kumar T20I recall: 'You can't beat experience'

Experience over youth as India plan for New Zealand

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has laid out the reasoning behind Bhuvneshwar Kumar's return to the T20I squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand, pointing to the value of experience around a young group. The recall of the 36-year-old seamer sits alongside Centre of Excellence head VVS Laxman's new role in India's selection process, with Kotak saying both point to a single priority: better communication and greater experience as India look to build beyond their current winning combination.

Speaking in Ranchi, Kotak said Jasprit Bumrah's absence during parts of India's recent schedule had underlined the importance of having a seasoned bowler in the ranks while younger players find their feet.

'You can't beat experience'

“We all know you can't beat experience. The youngsters are also performing well, but at some stage you need that experience,” Kotak said.

The coach suggested the conditions expected in New Zealand could suit Bhuvneshwar, whose recent form in franchise cricket appears to have caught the selectors' eye.

“Bhuvneshwar has been doing really well in the IPL for the last two seasons. So the selectors must have thought that, for New Zealand conditions and all, we need some experience,” Kotak said.

The recall caps a remarkable turnaround for Bhuvneshwar. According to prior reporting on 2026-10-09, the veteran earned his return four years after his last international appearance on November 22, 2022, against New Zealand. That report noted he was the joint-highest wicket-taker in IPL 2026 with 28 wickets for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and had cut his body fat from 19% to 14% under personal coach Surya Pratap Yadav. Former India players Suresh Raina, Kris Srikkanth, Virender Sehwag and Mohammad Kaif were reported to have lauded the selection.

The same earlier reporting recalled that Bhuvneshwar had previously opened up on his international future in a piece dated 2026-09-28, admitting “This was my last World Cup” and revealing why his hopes of an India return had faded.

Laxman's role: getting information to selectors

Kotak also explained why Laxman has joined selection discussions, saying the move is designed to ensure that information on players undergoing rehabilitation — particularly their fitness status — reaches the selectors directly.

“(Head coach) Gautam (Gambhir) always speaks to Laxman. That is the normal procedure, which I have always seen,” Kotak said.

Winning run must not come at cost of bench strength

With India in the middle of a strong run, Kotak stressed that developing the squad's depth remains part of the plan. He acknowledged the fine margins involved when a team rotates personnel while trying to keep winning.

“When you test your bench, if you win, the process continues. If you lose, there is a very thin line between maintaining that balance,” he said.

India's five-match T20I series against New Zealand will offer an early test of that balance, and Bhuvneshwar's return gives the hosts a proven operator should conditions favour his swing and control.