Aakash Chopra believes Bhuvneshwar Kumar's selection for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand is aimed at opening a path to the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been named in India's 16-member squad for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which begins on October 22, 2026. The selection has drawn attention because the right-arm pacer had not featured in India's T20I setup since November 2022, a gap of nearly four years.
Former India opener Aakash Chopra argued that the timing of the recall carries a significance that goes beyond the T20I series itself. Chopra pointed out that Bhuvneshwar was not included during India's tours to Ireland and England in June and July 2026, and suggested the selectors have made a deliberate choice by picking him now.
"This selection could have happened in June or July when they went to Ireland and England. If only the performance had to be rewarded, the selection could have happened then. You didn't select him there. I think they have made a pivot. It seems like he would do well in the excellent conditions in New Zealand. If he performs well there, they would slowly open the path to ODIs," Chopra said, speaking on his YouTube channel.
Chopra also addressed Bhuvneshwar's readiness and fitness, crediting the pacer for staying prepared through a long period away from international cricket.
"He kept himself ready - that he would keep picking up wickets and making his team win, and eventually, whenever the door opens, he would be standing there. You have to give him credit for that. There are no fitness issues. He is not a fast bowler who gets injured that easily, fingers crossed," Chopra added.
Why has Bhuvneshwar Kumar been recalled at this stage of his career?
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has accumulated 90 wickets at an economy rate of 6.96 in 87 T20Is. In ODIs, he has taken 141 dismissals at an economy rate of 5.08 across 120 matches, though he has not played the 50-over format for India since January 2022. His T20I absence stretches back to November 2022, making this recall a notable development in his international career.
Chopra framed the selection as part of a broader plan, linking it to India's preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup. He noted that the selectors had tried other options in the interim without being fully convinced, and suggested Bhuvneshwar's experience and skill set in conditions that suit swing bowling made him an attractive option for this particular tour.
"I think that is where we are trying to go. You tried a few people in between and are not fully convinced. So, you said, why not bring Bhuvneshwar Kumar back into the fold from the South Africa perspective? I see this opportunity from that lens. I feel this selection is not only for T20Is. Another story is hidden behind this selection," Chopra said.
What does the New Zealand T20I series mean for Bhuvneshwar Kumar's future?
The five T20I matches are scheduled for October 22, 24, 27, 30, and November 1, 2026, across Christchurch, Wellington, and Auckland. Chopra described this tour as the last realistic window for Bhuvneshwar to force his way back into India's white-ball plans before the 2027 ODI World Cup. Chopra outlined the upcoming international calendar to explain why the New Zealand tour carries such weight for the veteran pacer.
"This was the final chance. If you had not taken him to New Zealand, the next tour is Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe after that, who will come home, and then it will be the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the IPL, and if you had not made him a part of the ODI or T20I team until the IPL, there wouldn't have been any time left after that. This is the last and final opportunity," Chopra said.