Indian team batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has opened on Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to the national team after four years, saying the veteran has been doing well in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the last two years.

Bhuvi last played for India against New Zealand in 2022, but his brilliant bowling display for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) impressed the national selection panel. RCB have won two consecutive titles.

Bhuvneshwar took 45 wickets across two seasons. He will now play in the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand.

“The selection is done by selectors, but I can answer based on what I think. In New Zealand, I feel that with Bumrah not playing and a lot of young bowlers wearing the national jersey, you can’t beat experience,” Kotak said at the pre-match press conference.

India will take on West Indies in the second T20I on Friday.

“The young bowlers are good, and they are performing. However, you need some experience in the team. That might be one of the reasons. Another thing is that Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been in form in the IPL for two years,” Kotak added.

Kotak played it safe when he was asked about Mohammed Shami’s possible return to the team.

“I am not the selector, so it is difficult for me to comment on that. But Shami is also performing well and is playing consistently. If the selectors think he is up to the mark and the team needs him, then any player can return to the team,” Kotak mentioned.

Another important point is CoE head VVS Laxman’s involvement in selection meetings and communicating about injuries to the team management and the selectors.

“I have no idea. I came to know about it from you (media). If injury- updates are to be communicated by Laxman sir, I believe it would be purposeful,” Kotak concluded.