Former Indian batter
Bhuvneshwar’s last appearance for India occurred during the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final against England in Adelaide. His return to the setup marks a significant milestone in a career that has spanned 229 international matches across all formats, during which he has claimed 294 wickets at an average of 29.50, including seven five-wicket hauls.
Raina praises veteran's resilience
Taking to social media to express his support, Raina lauded the bowler’s dedication and perseverance. He described the selection as a recognition of one of the country's most skilful bowlers, noting that the discipline shown by the seamer throughout his career—from his early days in Uttar Pradesh to his recent IPL form—serves as an inspiration to others.
Raina emphasised that the comeback is a testament to the idea that hard work eventually finds its way back to the international stage. The veteran pacer is now set to rejoin the national side as India prepares for an upcoming tour, which is scheduled to commence with a five-match T20I series beginning on October 22. This T20I leg will be followed by a series of five ODIs and two Test matches.
Squad depth and upcoming challenges
Bhuvneshwar joins a balanced squad for the T20I series, which is led by captain Shreyas Iyer. The selection committee has opted for a mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talent, with the squad featuring players such as Tilak Varma, who serves as vice-captain, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, and Arshdeep Singh. The inclusion of the veteran seamer provides the team with additional experience as they look ahead to the upcoming international fixtures.
