So, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 36, is back in the fold for India’s T20I run‑around in New Zealand, and former skipper Wasim Jaffer is all in on the decision.
Bhuvneshwar’s 90‑wicket haul in the shortest format and his 87 T20I matches have earned him a reputation as a swing‑swinger who can break stands in the crunch moments—his fitness and consistency in the IPL and for Uttar Pradesh keep him razor‑sharpened.
Jaffer, sporting a YouTube channel, slammed the age‑bias narrative, saying, "Age is a side‑kick when performance is the main act." He added, "Better late than never. He deserves this, and no favour was done in selecting him."
India’s lineup now features Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and the fresh Bhuvneshwar, with the series starting in Christchurch on Oct. 22 and five T20Is to follow through Auckland and Hamilton.
With the pressure of a 5‑match rubber, the veteran’s experience could be the difference between a top‑order collapse and a knock‑out win—India’s young pacers need that seasoned edge if they want to out‑wicket New Zealand.
The first match is on Oct. 22; the team will aim for a clean sweep before the series wraps on Nov. 1.