Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra believes there is a hidden story behind Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s selection for the T20I series against New Zealand. Chopra reckons the selectors will consider Kumar for the ODI team as well if he performs well in the T20Is.
Kumar’s last appearance in the Indian colors came in 2022 in the T20I series against the Kiwis. The veteran seamer 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.
Chopra said the selectors could have picked Bhuvneshwar in T20Is after IPL 2026 but it wasn’t to be the case.
“This selection could have happened in June or July when they went to Ireland and England. If only the performance had to be rewarded, the selection could have happened then. You didn’t select him there. I think they have made a pivot. It seems like he would do well in the excellent conditions in New Zealand. If he performs well there, they would slowly open the path to ODIs,” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
“This selection could have happened in June or July when they went to Ireland and England. If only the performance had to be rewarded, the selection could have happened then. You didn’t select him there. I think they have made a pivot. It seems like he would do well in the excellent conditions in New Zealand. If he performs well there, they would slowly open the path to ODIs,” Chopra said.
Chopra praised Bhuvneshwar for performing consistently and keeping himself fit.
“He kept himself ready – that he would keep picking up wickets and making his team win, and eventually, whenever the door opens, he would be standing there. You have to give him credit for that. There are no fitness issues. He is not a fast bowler who gets injured that easily, fingers crossed,” he said.
India’s tour of New Zealand starts on October 22 with the first T20I at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval.
