Fast bowler returns as India name New Zealand T20I squad

India have named their T20I squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand, with captain Shreyas Iyer continuing to lead a largely unchanged group currently competing against the West Indies.

The big addition is Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who returns to the T20I setup after last representing India in the format in November 2022. The experienced right-arm pacer brings a wealth of international experience, while his ability to generate swing could prove valuable in New Zealand conditions.

India’s T20I squad: Shreyas Iyer (c), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav.

Spinner Ravi Bishnoi misses out in the 16-member side. Washington Sundar, who was earlier withdrawn from the West Indies squad, is the second player missing out.

Kumar joins Arshdeep, Prince, and Mayank in the fast-bowling contingent, with Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep forming the main spin duo.

Dhir, who replaced Sundar for West Indies series, finds a place to form a strong all-rounder group with Axar, Dube and Nitish.

India's flamboyant top order of Abhishek, Sooryavanshi, Samson, Tilak, Ishan, and Iyer will hope to make the most the five-match series beginning on 22 October in Christchurch.

Series schedule:

First T20I: 22 October, Christchurch 
Second T20I: 24 October, Christchurch 
Third T20I: 27 October, Wellington
Fourth T20I: 30 October, Auckland
Fifth T20I: 1 November, Hamilton