The Indian selector took a massive decision when they decided to recall Bhuvneshwar Kumar back to international cricket following a four-year absence. The 36-year-old pacer was included in India’s T20I squad for the upcoming New Zealand series, which will begin from October 22. The recall came as a big surprise because the experienced seamer remained out of reckoning for a long period, having last represented India in November 2022 during a series against New Zealand. 

Since his last appearance for India, Bhuvneshwar has continued to make his presence felt in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL), performing brilliantly. Amid Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return, there has been a wave of questions over veteran Indian pacer Mohammed Shami’s perpetual absence from the side. 

Shami last featured for India during the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand in 2025, and since then he has been out of the team, waiting to get a recall. Despite being out of the Indian team, Shami has been performing promisingly in the domestic cricket. Meanwhile, Indian batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, who was asked about Shami’s continued absence, gave a very tactful response, putting the onus on selectors. 

"First of all, I am not a selector, so it is difficult for me to tell you that. But Shami is also playing, and he is also doing well," Kotak said at the press conference.

"If the selectors feel that he is doing well and the team has a requirement, then any player can be selected," he said.

Kotak also talked about BCCI’s decision to rope in VVS Laxman in selection meetings. 

“I honestly don't know. I also came to know about what you just said. If any injury-related update is to be communicated by Laxman, sir, I believe the decision taken by the BCCI will be purposeful. I worked with Laxman for three years at the Centre of Excellence. He is very particular. When I was there, he used to tell us that if the Indian team has any requirement, our first duty is to fulfil it," he said.

“Sometimes we used to take leave to go home, but if an Indian player was important and the Indian team wanted him immediately, he would tell us to release him for a week or two. That is how committed he is. So, whatever role he plays, I am sure he will think about what is best for Indian cricket,” Kotak stated.