Bhuvneshwar Kumar is returning to India's ranks after nearly four years. The veteran pacer's return to the Indian set-up ahead of the T20I series against New Zealand showcases his fitness, dietary adherence and care in preserving his ability to swing the cricket.

As reported by The Indian Express, Bhuvneshwar has given up on sugar, gluten and lactose in the past six years as part of his fitness regime. His physiotherapist, Ramneesh Vohra revealed that his eighties' weight had gone from approximately 80 kg to 75 kg.

His body fat too has reportedly gone down from 22-25 per cent to 16 per cent, indicating the extent of the physical change he has had to make to sustain his career. With all that physical discipline, the bowler remains competitive at 36 years of age.

How physio helped his resurgence

Vohra was working with Kumar during the COVID-19 lockdown of 2020. Their regime continued even as the pacer was out of India's team. The regime involved joint mobility, strengthening, and movements that recreated cricket-specific demands. Vohra's focus was not on raising speed but on improving Kumar's rhythm, movement, and fitness.

 The extended programme is the result of a long-term vision for a pacer who has been integral to India's bowling attack. The regimen has enabled Kumar to maintain the characteristics that have made him such a valuable asset to the game. The ability to make the ball swing is one of his best attributes, and he appears to be in good shape to deliver that in New Zealand.

His IPL form helps his return to national team

Kumar's form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has helped his game's resurgence. According to the stats provided, he has 45 wickets in 30 matches for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the last two seasons. With his performances in the tournament, Kumar has been able to help RCB win the last two editions of the competition.

 While the pacer may have struggled to make his mark in the Test matches, his experience and consistency will be vital for India ahead of their crucial series against New Zealand. With Jasprit Bumrah fit, Bhuvneshwar Kumar may be relied upon to lead the attack and mentor the young bowlers.

Return after long layoff is a testament to preparation

 Kumar's return is an illustration of the need for disciplined preparation and fitness in elite-level cricket. His adherence to a strict diet, along with his physiotherapy and performances in the franchise league, has seen him rewarded with a recall to the Indian team after a long layoff.

 The upcoming series provides the veteran with an opportunity to showcase that his skills, including swing bowling and control, can still be viable at the international level.