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The India National Cricket Team has suffered a big setback ahead of the fifth and final T20I against the West Indies. Actually, Arshdeep Singh suffered an injury to his bowling shoulder during the fourth T20I in Hyderabad, which ruled him out of the final T20I in Bengaluru on October 17.
Following the setback, the Indian selection committee has brought back the experienced pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar into the squad for the T20I series decider against the West Indies.
Arshdeep Singh doubtful for T20I series decider
Arshdeep Singh suffered a painful blow to his left shoulder during the final over of the fourth T20I against the West Indies in Hyderabad.
A sharp short-pitched delivery from pacer Shamar Joseph hit the Indian bowler, leaving him in visible pain and forcing the medical staff to rush to his aid.
Arshdeep retired out after scoring 5 runs off 4 balls as India suffered a 24-run defeat with the touring side levelling the five-match T20I series at 2-2.
Now, the T20I series decider will be played in Bengaluru on Saturday, and Arshdeep is now highly unlikely to play in this match. Amid this, 'India earn millions, West Indies get nothing': CWI CEO questions cricket’s financial model.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar returns to India squad for 5th T20I against West Indies
However, the BCCI has not clarified whether Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been added as a precautionary measure, as Arshdeep remains part of the squad.
The board has stated that Arshdeep’s availability for the fifth and final T20I against the West Indies in Bengaluru will depend on his recovery.
The BCCI said in an official media release, "The Men's Selection Committee has added Bhuvneshwar Kumar to the India squad for the fifth Muthoot FinCorp T20I against the West Indies. Bhuvneshwar Kumar was added to the squad after Arshdeep Singh sustained a blow to his bowling shoulder during the fourth T20I of the series against West Indies on Wednesday in Hyderabad. A decision on his participation for the final T20I will be taken prior to the game based on his recovery.”
Arshdeep Singh's injury opens door for Bhuvneshwar Kumar's early India comeback
Bhuvneshwar will now make a comeback sooner than he expected, and that too at his RCB home ground—M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on October 17. The seamer was expected to return to the national colors in the upcoming five-match T20I series in New Zealand.
Bhuvneshwar last played for India in November 2022 against New Zealand in Napier. The seamer returns after an impressive IPL 2026 season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
He took 28 wickets in 16 matches at an economy rate of 7.95 and played a key role in RCB’s successful title defence. His ability to swing the new ball and bowl effectively in the death overs continues to make him a valuable option in T20 cricket.
Here’s India’s updated squad for 5th T20I vs West Indies:
Shreyas Iyer (C), Tilak Varma (VC), Sanju Samson (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Naman Dhir, Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
