Pujara Backs Bhuvneshwar Kumar as India’s First-Choice New-Ball Bowler in New Zealand

Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has backed Bhuvneshwar Kumar as India’s first-choice new-ball bowler for the upcoming five-match series in New Zealand, saying the conditions are ideally suited to the experienced pacer’s swing bowling.

Speaking on JioHotstar’s ‘Out or Not Out’, Pujara said Bhuvneshwar’s ability to generate movement in the air and off the pitch could prove crucial in New Zealand, where the series begins on Thursday in Christchurch.

“In New Zealand, he should be the first choice with the new ball, based on the conditions, because of the skill he possesses of swinging the ball,” Pujara said, adding that the bowler could make the most of any assistance offered by the pitch.

Pujara also emphasised the importance of winning overseas, describing a victory against New Zealand as a significant achievement that would strengthen the confidence of both the team and its captain, Shreyas Iyer.

He said performing well outside India, whether in ODIs, T20Is or Test cricket, would reinforce the belief that the team could succeed in different conditions around the world.

Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar also praised Bhuvneshwar’s performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL), pointing out that the pacer has delivered consistently despite the absence of seam-friendly conditions.

Nayar noted that Bhuvneshwar had handled both the opening overs and the death overs during the past two IPL seasons, two of the most challenging phases of a match. He attributed the bowler’s effectiveness to his experience, understanding of conditions and ability to adapt.

Nayar also welcomed Bhuvneshwar’s return to the national set-up, saying there had never been any doubt about his capabilities.

On Iyer’s captaincy, Nayar said success in New Zealand would help establish his credentials, particularly amid comparisons with Suryakumar Yadav, who previously led India in T20Is. He pointed out that India had played more matches at home during Suryakumar’s captaincy, while Iyer’s tenure has involved overseas assignments, including tours of England and New Zealand.