Bhuvneshwar Kumar is back in India’s T20I squad ahead of the series decider against West Indies in Bengaluru. The veteran pacer has been called up after Arshdeep Singh injured his left shoulder during the fourth T20I in Hyderabad.
India have not ruled Arshdeep out of the final match. The BCCI confirmed that his availability will depend on his recovery. Bhuvneshwar’s inclusion gives the team another experienced option for Saturday’s clash at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
West Indies levelled the five-match series 2-2 with a 24-run win in Hyderabad. India now need a victory in Bengaluru to clinch the series.
Arshdeep Singh’s fitness remains a concern
Arshdeep Singh hurt his left shoulder while batting in the fourth T20I. He retired hurt after facing one more delivery as India struggled to chase West Indies’ target of 248.
The BCCI has not clarified whether Bhuvneshwar’s call-up is a precautionary move. Arshdeep remains in the squad, but his place in the playing XI will depend on how he recovers before the match.
India will be keen to assess his fitness before making a final call. His absence would leave a gap in the pace attack, particularly with the series on the line.
IND vs WI: Bhuvneshwar Kumar eyes India comeback after four years
Bhuvneshwar last played for India in November 2022, during the T20I against New Zealand in Napier. He has been out of the national setup for nearly four years.
The 36-year-old has kept himself in contention with strong performances for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He was part of their IPL-winning campaigns and has earned another opportunity to push for an India return.
Bhuvneshwar has also been named in India’s T20I squad for the upcoming New Zealand tour, which begins on October 22. The series decider against West Indies could give him a chance to return to international cricket even earlier.
Known for his swing and control with the new ball, the seamer brings plenty of experience. His ability to move the ball early and deliver accurate overs could prove useful on his return.
IND vs WI: India face a must-win clash in Bengaluru
The fifth T20I will decide the series after West Indies fought back to level it at 2-2. India will need a strong bowling effort to stop the visitors from carrying their momentum into the final match.
Bhuvneshwar could be in contention for a place in the playing XI, depending on Arshdeep’s fitness and the team’s final combination. The Bengaluru game also offers him a chance to make his case ahead of the New Zealand tour.
India’s updated T20I squad includes Shreyas Iyer as captain and Tilak Varma as vice-captain.
IND vs WI: India’s updated T20I squad:
India’s updated T20I squad: Shreyas Iyer (captain), Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma (vice-captain), Sanju Samson, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Mayank Yadav, Prince Yadav, Arshdeep Singh and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
With the series tied, India have little room for error. The final call on Arshdeep could play a key role in shaping their attack for the Bengaluru decider.
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