Bhuvneshwar Kumar has returned to India's T20I squad for the five-match tour of New Zealand after the BCCI senior selection committee named the 36-year-old fast bowler to the squad. The series begins on October 22 at Christchurch's Hagley Oval, marking the start of a multi-format tour that will also feature five ODIs and two Tests.

Former India batter Subramaniam Badrinath has backed Bhuvneshwar Kumar for potential inclusion in the 2027 ODI World Cup squad, provided the seamer performs well during the New Zealand T20I series and demonstrates his fitness for 50-over cricket.

"The New Zealand conditions will be ideal for his comeback. He troubled batters in India itself, so he should exploit these conditions very well. And if he delivers and proves his fitness, he can be considered for the 2027 ODI World Cup. He should also be willing, though, so the team management should have a conversation with him. They should confirm with him whether he can bowl 10 overs and express their desire to have him for the World Cup in South Africa," Badrinath said.

Why fitness and willingness matter for the 2027 World Cup?

Bhuvneshwar Kumar's return to international cricket comes after a significant gap. He was recently picked in India's squad for the fifth T20I against the West Indies. It was his first international appearance in four years. However, he didn't get to bowl as the match was washed out. His recent domestic form has been strong, as he picked up 28 wickets in IPL 2026 as the second-highest wicket-taker during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's successful title defence.

Badrinath's assessment emphasises that the New Zealand conditions will provide an ideal platform for Bhuvneshwar Kumar to prove his readiness for World Cup cricket. The former batter stressed that team management must have a clear conversation with the seamer about his willingness to bowl 10 overs in ODI cricket and confirm their desire to include him in the South Africa World Cup squad. Such discussions are crucial to ensure alignment between the player's fitness levels, his commitment to the 50-over format and the selectors' long-term planning for the tournament.