Bhuvneshwar has returned to India fold after four years | PC- AFPBhuvneshwar Kumar has returned to the Indian fold for an exile of nearly four years, as the swing king has been picked in the T20I squad for the five-match T20I series in New Zealand.Notably, the 36-year-old was named in the Indian squad for the Hong Kong Super Sixes 2026, not just as a player but as the captain of the side. However, with the tournament clashing with the New Zealand T20Is, he will choose the national setup over the exhibition competition. Bhuvneshwar Kumar to pick T20I call-up over Hong Kong Super SixesBhuvneshwar Kumar's selection had become the focus of all discussion, especially after his heroics in the IPL 2026 for RCB, where he almost snapped the Purple Cap for the season. With nearly 50 wickets in two years, the right-arm pacer has been the pillar of the team's success in bagging back-to-back titles. Additionally, the UP star had remarkable success in the state T20 league, leading the Lucknow Falcons, who finished as the runners-up. Bhuvneshwar, meanwhile, returned with 14 wickets in 11 innings.ALSO READIndia Squad For Hong Kong Sixes 2026 Announced; Bhuvneshwar Kumar To CaptainMeanwhile, Bhuvneshwar has always spoken openly about his aspirations to play for India again after his last match in the Indian blues during the 2022 T20 World Cup. With two options wide open for Bhuvi, the veteran fast bowler would certainly choose to travel with the national team for the bilaterals in New Zealand over the Hong Kong Super Sixes. Bhuvneshwar Kumar faces tough battle for India spot despite RCB resurgenceWith nearly 300 international wickets under his belt, Bhuvneshwar Kumar was India’s go-to fast bowler, alongside Jasprit Bumrah. However, his dip in form collided with the rise of Mohammed Siraj and the other young pacers, which saw Bhuvi lose his place.Still, the 36-year-old didn’t lose hope and worked on his skill set behind the scenes. Meanwhile, an RCB homecoming worked like a charm, as being a crucial part of the two back-to-back IPL-winning teams went in his favour. Nevertheless, the team management has picked three other seamers, along with Bhuvi, for the five matches in New Zealand, meaning his inclusion in the playing XI could get tricky Down Under. ALSO READNaman Dhir Credits IPL Team After T20I Debut Against West Indies
