Is Bhuvneshwar Kumar playing 1st T20I between India and New Zealand?

Veteran fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar was named in India's Playing XI for the first T20I against New Zealand at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. India captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and opted to field first in the series opener. Kumar's selection marks his return to international cricket after an absence of nearly four years, with his last appearance having come in November 2022.

His international recall follows successful Indian Premier League seasons with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he claimed 28 wickets during their 2026 title-winning run. India's lineup also features Nitish Kumar Reddy and Mayank Yadav, while New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner confirmed four seamers in the hosts' side.