Bhuvneshwar Kumar returns to India’s T20I squad at 36

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Six hours a day, 19% to 14% body fat: Inside Bhuvneshwar Kumar's bid for longevity at 36 cricket news image
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Bhuvneshwar Kumar has returned to India’s T20I squad for the five-match series in New Zealand, four years after his previous international appearance against the same opposition on November 22, 2022.

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The 36-year-old fast bowler was named in India’s 16-member squad following a productive IPL 2026 season and several years of domestic cricket. A Times of India report described the training and fitness programme behind Bhuvneshwar’s return to the national squad.

Fitness programme focused on strength and recovery

Bhuvneshwar’s conditioning programme centred on reducing body fat, increasing muscle mass and managing the physical demands on a fast bowler in his mid-30s.

Surya Pratap Yadav, Bhuvneshwar’s personal strength and conditioning coach, said the bowler reduced his body fat from 19 percent to 14 percent without losing weight. Yadav said this indicated an increase in muscle mass, alongside improved strength, force production and running speed.

The daily programme included close to an hour of rehabilitation and injury-prevention work. Recovery, hydration, sleep, protein intake and supplementation also featured in the routine Yadav described.

Yadav said Bhuvneshwar could spend six to seven hours a day on gym work, rehabilitation, recovery, batting practice and bowling practice. The workload was part of his ongoing cricket preparation, not a short-term response to a possible India recall.

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IPL 2026 form strengthened Bhuvneshwar’s case

Bhuvneshwar took 28 wickets in 16 matches for Royal Challengers Bengaluru during IPL 2026, finishing as the season’s joint-highest wicket-taker.

The right-arm seamer recorded a bowling average of 17.89 and an economy rate of 7.95 as Royal Challengers Bengaluru won a second successive IPL title. His best return during the season was 4 for 23.

Bhuvneshwar then captained Lucknow Falcons to the UPT20 league final. He took 14 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 16.57 and an economy rate of 6.82, with a best performance of 4 for 10.

Domestic cricket kept Bhuvneshwar match-ready

Bhuvneshwar continued playing for Uttar Pradesh after dropping out of India’s plans, leading the state’s bowling attack in competitions including the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy.

The fast bowler also continued playing in the IPL and the UPT20 league. Bhuvneshwar previously said in an RCB video that he had stopped setting long-term comeback targets and was concentrating instead on his immediate cricket commitments.

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His domestic record included 16 wickets in seven matches during the 2023 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and 13 wickets in two Ranji Trophy matches in the 2023-24 season. Bhuvneshwar followed those returns with 17 wickets in IPL 2025 before his 28-wicket campaign in IPL 2026.

New-ball swing offers India a different option

Bhuvneshwar’s ability to swing the new ball gives India an experienced pace option for the T20I series in New Zealand.

His previous T20I returns against New Zealand have been less productive than his records against several other opponents, but his selection puts renewed emphasis on his control and ability to move the ball in the air. The recall also follows sustained performances across IPL and domestic competitions, rather than a single tournament.

Former India players Suresh Raina and Kris Srikkanth welcomed the selection, while Virender Sehwag questioned whether age should count against a fast bowler who continues to produce strong performances. Mohammad Kaif also highlighted Bhuvneshwar’s ability to challenge batters with movement.

The New Zealand series will mark Bhuvneshwar’s first opportunity to play for India since November 2022. His selection completes a return built on regular domestic cricket, a strong IPL season and a carefully managed fitness programme.