IND vs NZ: Bhuvneshwar Kumar on the verge of T20I world record

India is all set to face New Zealand for three T20Is and as many ODIs after the end of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022. While senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have been rested, Hardik Pandya will be leading the side. However, he will also have the support of veteran bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who is on the verge of a world record in T20I.

The seasoned pacer is on the verge of shattering a unique record when India will face New Zealand in Wellington on Friday.

The bowler would enter himself into the T20I record books for taking the most wickets in a calendar year if he manages to take four wickets in the series.

From 30 matches, the bowler has already claimed 36 wickets at an economy rate of seven in 2022. His tally also includes a best-match haul of 5/4 vs Afghanistan during the Asia Cup 2022. This year, Bhuvi delivered a total of seven maiden overs in T20Is.

The 32-year-old can break the record for the most wickets in a calendar year in the shortest format with a four-wicket haul in the first T20I or even in the following three T20Is against the Kiwis.

The record was earlier held by Andrew Tye, who took 31 T20I wickets from 19 matches in 2018. Ireland's Joshua Little, who has the most T20I wickets (39) in 2022, also surpassed Tye. The former averaged 18.92 with the ball in 2022.