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Ajit Agarkar rejected Bhuvneshwar Kumar's comeback despite RP Singh's request

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has made a surprise return to the Indian T20I squad after a four-year absence, securing a spot in the team for the upcoming series against New Zealand. His recall follows standout performances in the IPL, where he took 17 wickets in 2025 and 28 in 2026—including a 7.95 economy rate—while playing a pivotal role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s back-to-back title wins.

Despite his strong form, former selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar reportedly rejected his comeback, even after fellow selector RP Singh advocated for his inclusion. The decision shifted only after Agarkar stepped down, with interim chair Pragyan Ojha approving Kumar’s selection amid Jasprit Bumrah’s absence, creating space for an experienced fast bowler to bolster India’s attack ahead of the series.

Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has begun the process to replace Agarkar on the senior men’s selection panel. Applications for the vacant position closed on October 14, 2026, with the new selector required to have played at least seven Tests, 30 first-class matches, or a combination of 10 ODIs and 20 first-class games, while retiring from cricket at least five years prior.

The interim panel, now led by Ojha alongside Shiv Sundar Das, Ajay Ratra, and RP Singh, will continue overseeing team selections until the appointment is finalized.

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