The return of experienced fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar to the Indian team has once again sparked discussions regarding age and experience. The 36-year-old Kumar was included in the squad for a five-match T20 series against New Zealand. Former Indian batsman Vasim Zafar openly supported this decision, questioning the reason for the experienced bowler's long exclusion from the squad.
According to Vasim Zafar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar's return is not an act of charity. He earned his place in the team through his own achievements and good physical condition. Zafar believes that a player's age should not be used against him if he consistently performs at a high level.
On his YouTube channel, Zafar stated that 'it's late, but it's good. He deserves it. His inclusion was not a handout to anyone. His performance is obvious, and his physical condition is also good. I don't understand why he wasn't considered earlier.' This statement directly questions Kumar's long absence from the squad. According to Zafar, the bowler constantly strengthened his chances of selection through on-field performance.
Zafar noted that Kumar demonstrated excellent physical fitness and performed well whenever given the opportunity. He added that Kumar always performed well for the IPL and for the Uttar Pradesh state team, wondering why he wasn't selected earlier.
Furthermore, Zafar called for experience to be taken into account, saying that age should be secondary. Although the team has young players, those who perform well cannot be ignored. He emphasized that experience is necessary in moments of pressure, and the team cannot consist solely of young athletes; a combination of youth and experience is required.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has extensive experience in Indian cricket, having played 21 Test matches, 121 ODIs, and 87 T20 Internationals for the Indian team. In T20 Internationals, he has taken 90 wickets. His participation in the series against New Zealand may be important for young fast bowlers like Arshdeep Singh, Mayank Yadav, and Prince Yadav. Kumar's ability to move the ball both ways through swing and new deliveries provides the team with an additional option.
The five-match T20 series between India and New Zealand starts on October 22nd in Christchurch. The second match is also scheduled for October 22nd in Christchurch. The third match will take place on October 27th in Wellington, the fourth on October 30th in Auckland, and the fifth on November 1st in Hamilton.
The Indian squad for the series against New Zealand includes: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Tilak Verma, Akshaya Patel, Shivam Dubey, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Namana Dira, Prince Yadav, Minka Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Varun Chakravarthy, and Kuldeep Yadav.