It took courage to pick him: Karthik hails Bhuvneshwar's India return

Dinesh Karthik praised the selectors for showing courage in recalling Bhuvneshwar Kumar after four years away from India duty. Karthik said Bhuvi's performances and rare skill set made him deserving of another chance in the national team.Bhuvneshwar Kumar returns to the Indian team after four years. (Image: Reuters)New Delhi,Oct 7, 2026 04:00 ISTDinesh Karthik has praised the selectors for showing the courage to recall Bhuvneshwar Kumar to the Indian team after a four-year absence, saying the veteran pacer has earned his comeback through his performances.Bhuvneshwar last played for India in November 2022 and has now been included in the T20I squad for the upcoming New Zealand series. His return comes after two strong IPL seasons with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he once again showed the skills that have made him one of India's most effective white-ball bowlers."It's taken four years to pick him back in that Indian team. Firstly, well done, selectors, to have the courage to pick someone," Karthik said.India have tried several pace options in recent years, but Karthik believes Bhuvneshwar's skill set remains difficult to replace. "Team India in the last year, they have tried all pacers. But if you actually look purely on skill, Bhuvi has been exceptional," he said.Bhuvneshwar can swing the new ball both ways and has the experience to bowl at the death, giving India an option who can contribute at different stages of a T20 match. "The quality that he brings is brilliant. He can bowl with a new ball, swing it both ways, and then at the death, he can handle pressure," Karthik said.AGARKAR'S CALLBhuvneshwar's return is particularly notable because his comeback had appeared unlikely during the previous selection regime.A PTI report said Bhuvneshwar's return did not happen while Ajit Agarkar was chairman of selectors, with the former India pacer preferring to look towards the future rather than revisit an experienced option despite Bhuvneshwar's performances. The report added that his recall became easier after Agarkar's departure, with Pragyan Ojha taking over as interim chairman.The timing of the recall has also coincided with India's need for experience in the pace attack, with Jasprit Bumrah rested for the New Zealand T20I series. Bhuvneshwar's ability to swing the ball in the Powerplay gives India another option alongside Arshdeep Singh and the younger fast bowlers in the squad.RCB REVIVALBhuvneshwar's performances for RCB played a major role in bringing him back into the spotlight.PTI reported that he played an important part in RCB's back-to-back IPL title-winning campaigns, taking 17 wickets in 2025 and 28 in 2026. His ability to produce movement with the new ball and trouble batters in the Powerplay remained a key part of his value.The performances came after a difficult period in his international career. Bhuvneshwar had struggled for rhythm during the 2022 T20 World Cup, and with a new generation of fast bowlers emerging, his India career appeared to be moving towards its end.Instead, he continued to work on his game away from the international spotlight.Karthik believes those performances made his recall impossible to ignore."I just genuinely wish he goes out there and enjoys the rest of the time that he plays international cricket. He deserves it purely on performance," he said.SKILL OVER SENTIMENTKarthik also recalled discussions around the IPL mega auction, saying Bhuvneshwar was one player whose skill set made him an obvious target."When we were discussing for the mega auction, there was one name, Bhuvi, and you almost felt like you had to get him," Karthik said.For the former India wicketkeeper, Bhuvneshwar's comeback is not simply about his past achievements. It is about the qualities he can still offer India."He can bowl with a new ball, swing it both ways, and then at the death, he can handle pressure," Karthik said.Bhuvneshwar's experience could also be useful around a pace group that includes younger options such as Mayank Yadav and Prince Yadav. PTI noted that his experience could help guide the emerging fast bowlers as India looks towards the 2028 T20 World Cup.Karthik, who was part of the India team when Bhuvneshwar last played for the country, said he was particularly pleased to see the pacer get another opportunity."I am so, so happy, and it couldn't happen to a nicer man," he said.Karthik also recalled seeing Bhuvneshwar at the Hong Kong Sixes and said his latest India recall made that experience even more significant."When I saw you in the Hong Kong Sixes, I thought, 'Okay, captain of the Indian team, fantastic.' Now this news is even better," Karthik said.Bhuvneshwar will now return to the international setup for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, with the first match scheduled for October 22.- Ends