New Delhi: The return of Indian fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Team India has become a topic of discussion these days. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has now given an important reason behind Bhuvneshwar's return to the national team after almost four years. According to him, amidst the presence of young players in the bowling attack, experience is also important for the team. Bhuvneshwar's return is also special because he played his last international match against New Zealand in November 2022. Now he can take the field against New Zealand on 22 October.
What did Kotak say on Bhuvneshwar's return?
Before the second T20 match between India and West Indies, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak expressed his opinion on the return of Bhuvneshwar Kumar. He said that during the England tour, he realized that Jasprit Bumrah was not playing much cricket and there were many young bowlers in the team.
Kotak said, “I can answer as per my opinion. In England, I personally felt that Bumrah is not playing much cricket at the moment and there are many young bowlers in the team. You cannot beat experience.”
His statement indicates that the presence of experienced bowlers along with young talent in the team could also be a reason for Bhuvneshwar's comeback.
Importance of experience among young bowlers
Jasprit Bumrah is not a part of the Indian team in the T20 series against West Indies. In such a situation, Arshdeep Singh is leading the fast bowling attack. At the same time, bowlers like Mayank Yadav and Prince Yadav are also included in the team, who do not have much experience at the international level.
Sitanshu Kotak praised the talent and performance of the young bowlers. However, he also indicated that the team will have to understand the importance of experience when needed. Bhuvneshwar Kumar's return is being seen from this perspective.
Bhuvneshwar's performance in IPL also became a topic of discussion
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has performed brilliantly in the last two IPL seasons, taking 45 wickets. His performance in domestic T20 cricket is also being considered important amid the talk of his comeback. However, citing experience as a possible reason behind his selection in the team, Kotak did not call it an official decision of the selectors.
Kotak also spoke on the return of Mohammed Shami
Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak also reacted to Mohammed Shami's return to the team. He clarified that he is not a selector, hence cannot give any decision on Shami's selection.
Kotak said, “I am not a selector, so I can't say anything on his return. But Shami is also playing well. If the selectors feel that he is doing well and he is needed in the team, then any player can be selected.”
Indian team for New Zealand T20 series
According to the information provided, the following players are included in the Indian team for the New Zealand T20 series:
Shreyas Iyer (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Tilak Verma (vice-captain), Axar Patel, Shivam Dubey, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Varun Chakraborty and Kuldeep Yadav.
The return of Bhuvneshwar Kumar can add the option of experience to the Indian bowling attack. Now all eyes will be on his performance in the possible match against New Zealand.
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