Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Sitanshu Kotak (Source: AFP) India are set to travel to New Zealand for a five-match T20I series beginning October 22, and the squad for the much-awaited tour has already been announced.One of the biggest talking points of the squad announcement was that India's veteran fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar has returned to the Indian team after nearly four years away from international cricket. Ahead of the second T20I against West Indies in Ranchi, India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak explained why the experienced pacer could be a valuable addition to the team for the IND vs NZ series.Sitanshu Kotak Explains Bhuvneshwar Kumar's India Comeback For NZ SeriesSpeaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of IND vs WI 2nd T20I, Sitanshu Kotak said that experience becomes important when a team has several young bowlers. He also pointed out that while young players have been performing well, experienced options can help the team in challenging situations like New Zealand's.ALSO READWhy Bhuvneshwar Kumar's International Comeback Will Have No Effect On RCB's IPL 2027 Purse?"One thing is obviously with the selectors, but I can give you an answer based on what I think. In England, I personally felt that with Bumrah not being around and a lot of young bowlers playing, you can't beat experience." Sitanshu Kotak said.The young bowlers are good; they are performing well and getting selected, but at some stage you also need some experience. That might be one reason. Another thing is that Bhuvneshwar has been doing really well in the IPL for the last two seasons," Kotak said.The 36-year-old last played for India during the T20I series against New Zealand in November 2022. His return comes after a long wait, during which he continued to work on his game and perform in domestic cricket and the IPL.How Did Bhuvneshwar Kumar's IPL Performance Help Him Return?It is important to note that Bhuvneshwar Kumar has enjoyed an impressive run with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), helping the franchise win back-to-back IPL titles in 2025 and 2026. Bhuvneshwar Kumar picked up 45 wickets across the two seasons, including 28 wickets in 2026. He was RCB's leading wicket-taker that year and finished second in the overall Purple Cap standings.Bhuvneshwar first entered the IPL in 2009 but found regular opportunities after joining Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2014. He won the Purple Cap in 2016 and 2017 and also became the first fast bowler in IPL history to cross the 200-wicket mark.ALSO READSA vs AUS 1st Test Toss: Cooper Connolly Out As Australia Win Crucial Toss
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