Bengaluru, Oct 16: Veteran fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been added to India’s T20I squad as cover for Arshdeep Singh ahead of the fifth and final T20I against the West Indies. Arshdeep sustained a shoulder injury during the fourth match of the series in Hyderabad on Wednesday.
The series is currently tied at 2-2, with the decisive fifth T20I scheduled to take place at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed Bhuvneshwar’s inclusion in an official statement. The board said Arshdeep suffered a blow to his bowling shoulder during the fourth T20I. A final decision on his availability for the series decider will be made based on his recovery before the match.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar Set for T20I Comeback
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s inclusion has raised expectations of his return to international T20 cricket after nearly four years. The 36-year-old last played a T20I against New Zealand in Napier on November 22, 2022.
His potential comeback at the Chinnaswamy Stadium is particularly significant, as he made his T20I debut at the same venue against Pakistan in 2012. He impressed on debut, taking three wickets for just nine runs in four overs.
Although Arshdeep’s participation remains uncertain, Bhuvneshwar is a strong contender to feature in the crucial final match if the left-arm pacer is ruled out.
Bhuvneshwar had already been selected for India’s upcoming T20I series against New Zealand, which begins in Christchurch on October 22.
Bhuvneshwar’s IPL Performances Boost His Comeback
The experienced pacer has worked on his T20 bowling skills during the 2025 and 2026 editions of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He claimed 45 wickets in 30 matches for Royal Challengers Bengaluru across the two seasons.
RCB assistant coach Omkar Salvi previously praised Bhuvneshwar for his understanding of the shortest format. He highlighted the bowler’s ability to keep his approach simple while adapting to the changing demands of T20 cricket.
Bhuvneshwar’s ability to swing the new ball, deliver accurate variations and control runs during the later stages of an innings could prove valuable for India in the series decider.
India Face Challenge from Shai Hope
India will need to find a way to contain West Indies captain Shai Hope, who has been in outstanding form throughout the series.
Hope is the leading run-scorer in the series, with 261 runs from four matches, including two centuries. His performances have made him a major threat ahead of the final T20I.
Bhuvneshwar’s experience and familiarity with the Bengaluru venue could give India an advantage if he takes the field on Saturday.
India’s Updated T20I Squad for West Indies Series
The BCCI announced the following updated squad for the fifth and final T20I:
- Shreyas Iyer (Captain)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
- Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper)
- Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper)
- Tilak Varma (Vice-Captain)
- Shivam Dube
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Axar Patel
- Ravi Bishnoi
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Arshdeep Singh
- Prince Yadav
- Mayank Yadav
- Naman Dhir
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
With the series level at 2-2, the fifth T20I will decide the winner. India’s bowling combination and its ability to restrict Shai Hope and the West Indies batting line-up could play a decisive role in the final match.
