India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak on 8 October said veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar's impressive IPL 2026 campaign and his wealth of experience in overseas conditions were likely the key factors behind his T20I recall for the upcoming series in New Zealand. Kotak shared his views at a press conference in Ranchi, on the eve of the second T20I against the West Indies.

A Sensational IPL Return Paves the Way

Bhuvneshwar earned his India T20I recall after a standout IPL 2026 season, where he spearheaded Royal Challengers Bengaluru's successful title defence with a 28-wicket haul, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament. He missed the Purple Cap to Kagiso Rabada by just one wicket. His last international appearance had been a T20I in New Zealand in November 2022. Across 87 T20Is for India, Bhuvneshwar has claimed 90 wickets at an average of 23.10 and an economy rate of 6.96.

What Kotak Said About the Selection Call

Kotak was careful to note that selection decisions rest with the selectors, but offered his perspective on why Bhuvneshwar may have been brought back. 'You can't beat experience,' he said, pointing to the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and the youth of India's current pace options as a backdrop. 'At some stage you also need some experience. Bhuvneshwar has been doing really well in IPL for the last two seasons. For New Zealand conditions and all, they must have thought that we need some experience,' Kotak said.

Shami Also in the Frame

When asked whether senior pacer Mohammed Shami could also find his way back into the senior squad, Kotak reiterated that the selection door remains open. 'Shami is also playing, and he is also doing well. If selectors feel that he is doing well and the team has a requirement, then any player can be selected,' he said, adding that he does not hold a selector's brief and cannot speak for the committee.

VVS Laxman's Expanded Role at CoE

Kotak also addressed the role of Centre of Excellence (CoE) head VVS Laxman, who is set to be a regular participant in senior men's selection committee meetings. Drawing on his three years of working alongside Laxman at the CoE, Kotak spoke warmly of Laxman's dedication to India's cricketing needs. 'If any Indian player is important and the Indian team wants him immediately, he used to say, leave after the player is ready. So this is how committed he is,' Kotak recalled. He expressed confidence that Laxman would act in the best interest of Indian cricket in whatever role he takes on.

Gambhir-Laxman Communication Stays Strong

Kotak also pushed back against any suggestion of a disconnect between the senior team management and the development unit. He confirmed that head coach Gautam Gambhir and Laxman remain in regular contact. 'Gautam and Laxman always stay in touch. If there is any need, Gautam speaks to Laxman. That is a normal procedure, which I have always seen,' Kotak said. With the New Zealand T20I series on the horizon, all eyes will be on whether Bhuvneshwar's proven experience translates into early-series impact.