‘You can’t beat experience’: India coach explains Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return

Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Getty Images)

Ranchi: Centre of Excellence head VVS Laxman’s new role in India’s selection process and Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to the T20I squad for the upcoming New Zealand tour point to the same priority: better communication and greater experience as India look to build beyond their current winning combination.Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said Jasprit Bumrah’s absence during parts of India’s recent schedule had highlighted the value of having an experienced bowler around the younger group.

“We all know you can’t beat experience. The youngsters are also performing well, but at some stage you need that experience,” Kotak said.

Conditions in New Zealand may suit the 36-year-old Bhuvneshwar.“Bhuvneshwar has been doing really well in the IPL for the last two seasons.

So the selectors must have thought that, for New Zealand conditions and all, we need some experience,” Kotak said.Laxman’s inclusion in selection meetings is intended to ensure that information on players undergoing rehabilitation, particularly their fitness status, reaches the selectors directly.“(Head coach) Gautam (Gambhir) always speaks to Laxman. That is the normal procedure, which I have always seen,” Kotak said.Kotak said India’s winning run would not come at the cost of developing their bench strength.“When you test your bench, if you win, the process continues. If you lose, there is a very thin line between maintaining that balance,” he said.