Bhuvneshwar Kumar Says He Never Chased an India Comeback, Eyes Domestic Cricket After NZ T20I Series

Summary

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, back in India’s T20I side for the first time since November 2022, told reporters after the third New Zealand match that he never set out to chase a national‑team return. He is now looking forward to the upcoming domestic season – the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy – once the five‑match series ends.

Confirmed Details

• Player: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 36‑year‑old right‑arm fast‑bowler
• Series: New Zealand tour of India, 3rd T20I, Wellington (India won by 6 wickets, 199/4 in 13.2 overs vs NZ 198/3)
• Result: India lead 3‑0 in a five‑match series; fourth T20I scheduled for 30 Oct in Auckland, final on 1 Nov in Hamilton.
• Return to India: First T20I appearance since Nov 2022, earned by strong IPL performances (17 wickets in 2025, 28 wickets in 2026, RCB titles).
• Domestic Plans: Kumar said he will play in the Vijay Hazare (50‑over) and Syed Mushtaq Ali (T20) tournaments after the series.

Reported Statements

• *“I did not chase an India comeback. It is a dream, but I was simply playing cricket and the performances came,”* Kumar said.
• He praised young opener Abhishek Sharma for finishing a chase inside the powerplay and noted a shift in batters’ mindset toward constant aggression.
• Kumar believes bowlers can still control games if they stick to their strengths, despite an economy of 11.58 in the first three NZ T20Is.

Practical Implications

• Fans can expect Kumar in state‑level squads for the upcoming domestic tournaments, which could affect team selections for Punjab, Delhi or his home side.
• The statements can be verified by watching the post‑match press conference video on the BCCI’s official YouTube channel or reading the full interview on India Today (27 Oct 2026).

How to Verify

1. Check the official BCCI match report for the 3rd T20I (Wellington, 27 Oct 2026).
2. Locate the post‑match interview on India Today’s website or the BCCI’s media portal.
3. Review the domestic season schedule released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for Vijay Hazare and Syed Mushtaq Ali dates.

--- *All information reflects statements made on 27 Oct 2026 and the series status at that time.*