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Sitanshu Kotak breaks silence on Mohammed Shami's India comeback

India’s assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak has weighed in on the omission of pacer Mohammed Shami from the T20I squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand, despite the team’s recall of Bhuvneshwar Kumar after a 14-month absence. Kotak clarified he was not involved in selection decisions but emphasized Shami remains a viable option for future matches, noting his recent form and the team’s potential need for experienced fast bowling.

Bhuvneshwar, who last played for India in November 2022, returns to international cricket after a standout IPL campaign with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he claimed 45 wickets and led the team to back-to-back titles in 2025 and 2026. Kotak suggested selectors prioritized Bhuvneshwar’s match-winning experience, particularly with Jasprit Bumrah unavailable, while also citing his strong recent performances in subcontinental conditions ahead of the five-match series starting October 22 in Ranchi and Auckland.

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