Bhuvneshwar Kumar returns as India names squads for New Zealand tour

By Webfit News | Sport

India has named its squads for the upcoming T20 international series and India A tour of New Zealand, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return after nearly four years among the main selection developments.

Shreyas Iyer will captain the 16-player T20I squad, with Tilak Varma as vice-captain. Dhruv Jurel will lead India A in three four-day matches against New Zealand A.

The announcements cover two separate competitions. India’s ODI and Test squads will be announced later.

Bhuvneshwar returns to the international setup

Bhuvneshwar last represented India in a T20 international in November 2022.

His recall adds experience to a pace attack that also includes Arshdeep Singh, Mayank Yadav and Prince Yadav. His ability to swing the ball could be valuable in New Zealand conditions.

India has otherwise retained a largely unchanged group from its current series against the West Indies.

Ravi Bishnoi is absent from the T20I squad, while Washington Sundar has been selected for India A. Naman Dhir retains his place in the senior squad.

India’s full T20I squad

Captain: Shreyas Iyer
Vice-captain: Tilak Varma
Wicketkeepers: Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan

The remaining players are Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav.

The batting group combines established international players with younger talent, including Sooryavanshi. Varun and Kuldeep provide specialist spin options, alongside all-rounder Axar.

Where New Zealand fans can watch the T20 series

The five-match series begins in Christchurch on 22 October, with the opening two games in the city before moving north.

Match	Date	City
First T20I	22 October 2026	Christchurch
Second T20I	24 October 2026	Christchurch
Third T20I	27 October 2026	Wellington
Fourth T20I	30 October 2026	Auckland
Fifth T20I	1 November 2026	Hamilton

Jurel leads India A, Pant subject to fitness

India A’s squad includes Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, alongside players seeking further opportunities in the longer format.

Pant’s participation remains subject to fitness. His inclusion does not confirm that he will be available to play.

The full squad is Dhruv Jurel, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Ravichandran Smaran, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, Auqib Nabi, Akash Deep, Anshul Kamboj, Manav Suthar, Mukesh Choudhary, Sai Sudarsan, Yash Rathod and Mukesh Kumar.

India A match schedule

Match	Dates	Location
First four-day match	24–27 October	Lincoln
Second four-day match	31 October–3 November	Christchurch
Third four-day match	7–10 November	Lincoln

The overlapping tours give supporters two distinct contests to follow: the senior side’s five-match T20 series and India A’s longer-format fixtures against New Zealand A.

Sources: BCCI squad announcement dated 6 October 2026 and International Cricket Council reporting. Story identified through The Indian Weekender.