Cricket

Why Bhuvneshwar Kumar is back after 4 years: Ajit Agarkar's exit, Jasprit Bumrah's absence and a change in India's thinking

October 7, 2026

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to the Indian T20I squad after a four-year absence marks a significant shift in selection strategy, driven in part by the departure of Ajit Agarkar from his role as BCCI chief selector. Kumar, who last played for India in the 2022 T20 World Cup, had maintained his form in the IPL, particularly for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he claimed 45 wickets across two title-winning campaigns.

His dominance continued into the 2024 season, with 28 wickets at an average of 17.89, reigniting discussions about his potential comeback. The selectors, now led by interim head Pragyan Ojha, cited his experience as crucial in Jasprit Bumrah’s absence, with Rudra Pratap Singh advocating for his inclusion despite Agarkar’s previous reluctance to recall retired players.

At 36, Kumar’s return offers India a seasoned option to mentor younger fast bowlers like Mayank Yadav and Prince Yadav ahead of the 2028 T20 World Cup, where his swing and seam mastery could prove decisive in the upcoming series against New Zealand.