Captain Shreyas Iyer backs the senior pacer after India's young quicks struggle, while Mitchell Santner warns that the conditions could help him exploit the new ball
Our Bureau Published 22.10.26, 08:07 AM
Bhuvneshwar Kumar File picture
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is set for his first India appearance in four years when they face New Zealand in the first T20I in Christchurch on Thursday.
It was also in New Zealand where the senior pacer had last donned the India cap in late 2022.
Bhuvneshwar’s bowling has been among the key factors behind Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s back-to-back IPL crowns. And now, how he performs will be key for
India too, especially with his experience, captain Shreyas Iyer emphasised.
Against England and the West Indies in particular, the young Indian quicks had a tough time and struggled further if Arshdeep Singh didn’t fire. “Bhuvi brings a lot of
experience to the team. And we were lacking that, especially after the IPL,” Shreyas said on Wednesday.
“He has won the IPL in each of the last two years. So, he has a very good idea of how to dominate in this format.”
Shreyas’ counterpart Mitchell Santner also believes Bhuvi could be a threat, given the conditions on offer. “Bhuvi will love these conditions in New Zealand. If there’s anything in the wicket, he’ll find something out of it.
“Even on some flat ones in India, he still manages to nip the ball around. So, with the new ball out here especially, he’ll be a challenge,” the Black Caps captain said.
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