Former SRH batter Tirumalasetti Suman praised the selectors’ decision to pick Bhuvneshwar Kumar for the T20I series against New Zealand. Suman reckons Kumar’s return to the T20I side may be a strategic move. He also recalled how former pacer Ashish Nehra played his final T20I when he was 38.
Kumar, 36, has been added to India’s T20I squad for the series against New Zealand. The veteran bagged 28 wickets in 16 matches of IPL 2026 and had played an instrumental role in taking Royal Challengers Bengaluru to glory. The swing master has performed consistently in the recent past and also scalped 14 wickets in 11 matches while leading Lucknow Falcons in UP T20 League 2026.
“It is a fantastic decision. I think the selectors have thought about it. In 2028, the upcoming T20 World Cup is happening in Australia and New Zealand. So it is a great opportunity to test his fitness. If he lasts till the World Cup, he will be 38 years. Ashish Nehra played his last T20 match at the age of 38. So why not Bhuvi?,” Suman reflected in a video on his YouTube channel.
The former batter said Bhuvi deserves his selection because of consistent performances in the IPL and expressed his delight after India’s T20I squad announcement.
“What a story! 36-year-old Bhuvneshwar Kumar makes a comeback into the India T20 squad. Exactly 4 years ago, in November 2022, he played his last international match in New Zealand and now, he is going to New Zealand again. He has played 4 IPL seasons since then. If we add up all those 4 seasons, Bhuvi is the highest wicket-taker for Indian bowlers. He has bowled match-winning spells. That too with the new ball in powerplay, on flat pitches, wickets in middle overs, yorkers in end overs, economical, everything. This is thoroughly deserving and I love this selection,” he said.
Kumar would look to be at his best against the Kiwis.
