When Did Bhuvneshwar Kumar Last Play for India? All You Need To Know About His Last International Match
Discover when Bhuvneshwar Kumar last played for India. A T20I against New Zealand in Napier on November 22, 2022, before his recent comeback to the national squad.
Meerut-born swing maestro Bhuvneshwar Kumar, at 36 years old, is making headlines once again with his inclusion in the Indian T20I squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand, marking a remarkable return to international cricket after nearly four years. This surprise comeback has prompted fans and pundits alike to reflect on his last appearance in the coveted blue jersey. Hong Kong Sixes 2026: Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Lead India Squad; Krunal Pandya, T Natarajan Included.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar Comeback in T20I
🚨 Announcement 🚨
#TeamIndia's T20I squad and India A squads for New Zealand tour announced 📝
Bhuvneshwar Kumar makes a comeback to the T20I side 🙌
More Details ▶️ https://t.co/oJ52QSH0DO
#NZvIND https://t.co/btbXlQ0nQD
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 6, 2026
Kumar's most recent international outing for India was a Twenty20 International match against New Zealand at McLean Park in Napier on November 22, 2022. The fixture, part of a bilateral series played shortly after the T20 World Cup campaign that year, saw the right-arm pacer take the field for what would be a lengthy hiatus from the national side.
The Last Dance in Napier
The match on November 22, 2022, was the third T20I of the series between India and New Zealand. New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first, posting a total of 160 runs. In India's response, the match was eventually called off due to rain, ending in a draw via the DLS method with India at 75/4 in nine overs.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar's performance in that particular game saw him bowl his quota of four overs, conceding 35 runs, but he failed to pick up any wickets. This wicketless effort, coupled with India's semi-final exit from the preceding T20 World Cup, led to a period of introspection for the team and, eventually, Kumar's prolonged absence from the international setup.
A Formidable Career Overview
Despite the quiet conclusion to his last international spell, Bhuvneshwar Kumar boasts an impressive career for India across all three formats. Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways, he has been a pivotal bowler for the Indian team for over a decade. His overall international statistics underscore his impact:
- Tests: 21 matches, 63 wickets
- ODIs: 121 matches, 141 wickets
- T20Is: 87 matches, 90 wickets
His best T20I figures of 5/4 against Afghanistan in the 2022 Asia Cup remain a testament to his prowess in the shortest format. He has also claimed two five-wicket hauls in T20Is.
The Road Back: IPL Dominance
Kumar's return to the national squad comes on the back of stellar performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), he has been a key figure in their recent successes, taking 45 wickets across the last two IPL editions (2025 and 2026). In the IPL 2026 season, he was particularly effective, bagging 28 wickets at an economy rate of 7.95, playing a crucial role in RCB's second consecutive title win. This consistent domestic form has undeniably played a significant role in the selectors' decision to recall the veteran pacer for the New Zealand series starting on October 22, 2026. Smriti Mandhana Appointed Captain of Indian Women's Cricket Team.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar's re-entry into the Indian squad signals a renewed focus on experience and proven performance. Fans will eagerly anticipate his upcoming matches, hoping the swing king can rekindle his magic on the international stage once more.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 07, 2026 10:23 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
