Former Indian wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta has questioned India’s talent pipeline after Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to the team for New Zealand T20Is. Kumar was added to India’s squad on Tuesday after his impressive performances in IPL 2026 for RCB. The swing master scalped 28 wickets in 16 matches of the previous season and played a key role in taking RCB to glory.
While Dasgupta welcomed Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to the team, he noted the pacer’s comeback also casts doubt on India’s bench strength.
Deep Dasgupta said on his YouTube Channel, “It does raise a few questions in my mind. What about the pipeline we keep talking about? Why do we keep saying that we can send two teams, or even three teams? You know, then let’s not make such claims. While I am very happy for Bhuvi and the fact that he is making a comeback, I am also a little concerned about what it says about our bench strength.”
Amid Kumar’s return, Dasgupta questioned India’s transition plans, which include giving more chances to young players,
“We are looking at the next generation and talking about transition. So, if Bhuvi is making a comeback at 36 after four years, and your major T20 tournament is after two years, which is the World Cup, I don’t know, does this say good things about the system? We keep saying that we have talent in white-ball cricket, that we have talent. Yet, we have Bhuvi making a comeback at 36 after four years.”
Dasgupta admitted that Bhuvneshwar has earned his place in the team after performing consistently in IPL 2026.
“Again, please don’t get me wrong. I am happy that he is back. I am happy that, based on his IPL performances, you are giving him opportunities, which is absolutely fine. Again, I am not saying that age is not an issue at all. If he is fit, which he is, and he is bowling brilliantly, that’s great.”
India’s tour of New Zealand starts on October 22 with the first T20I at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval.
