Indian cricket fans may soon get another chance to witness Bhuvneshwar Kumar on the field as the seasoned pacer prepares for the opening T20I against New Zealand. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared a video of Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the nets ahead of Thursday's match, fueling speculation about his potential return to the field after his eagerly awaited return against the West Indies was thwarted by rain.

In the video, the right-arm fast bowler is seen in India's training gear bowing with focus and precision. As the five-match T20I series against New Zealand kicks off, his presence in the nets has given fans reason to hope that they'll see the veteran pacer in action once more for the national team.

Bhuvneshwar's Comeback Match Washed Out

Bhuvi was called in for the fifth T20I against the West Indies on October 17 after Arshdeep Singh suffered a shoulder injury. The veteran pacer was making his return to the playing XI after nearly four years - he had played for India for the last time in November 2022.

However, rain spoiled what seemed like a promising comeback for Kumar. The fifth T20I game in Bangalore was abandoned after India had posted 118/5 in 7.4 overs. Bhuvneshwar Kumar did not get an opportunity to bowl despite being in the playing XI, leaving fans disappointed at his missed chance to debut for India at the international level.

The five-match T20I series which concluded in a 2-2 draw had ended in an anti-climax with the final game - also in Bengaluru - being washed out.

Can Bhuvneshwar Feature Against New Zealand?

India's opening T20I against New Zealand at Hagley Oval in Christchurch has the potential to be another chance for the veteran to make his international comeback memorable. However, a place in the playing XI is not guaranteed for Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

With a knack of swinging the new ball, Kumar's experience can be a handy tool in New Zealand, where the swing-friendly conditions are on offer. His experience can also play a huge role in guiding young guns in the absence of a well-established bowling attack. The five-match series will demand that India's players adapt fast to the conditions in New Zealand, where they will have limited time to acclimatize.

For Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the immediate task will be to utilize his training sessions on the field to convert into an opportunity on the field. Having wasted a golden chance in Bengaluru due to rain, the veteran hopes that the weather will cooperate this time around so that he can bowl for India once more.