Bhuvneshwar Kumar Added as Arshdeep Injury Cover
India have added experienced seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar to their squad for the fifth T20I against West Indies in Bengaluru, with Arshdeep Singh doubtful after suffering a blow to his bowling shoulder.
Arshdeep doubtful for series decider
Arshdeep sustained the injury during Wednesday’s fourth T20I in Hyderabad and his availability for the series finale will be determined before the match based on his recovery.
The setback comes at a crucial stage with India and West Indies locked at 2-2 heading into Saturday’s deciding fixture at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Arshdeep had played an important role earlier in the series, taking 3-44 and earning Player of the Match honours during India’s 14-run victory in the third T20I in Indore.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar added to India squad
Bhuvneshwar has been brought into the squad as cover for the injured left-arm seamer.
The 36-year-old has not played a T20 international for India since November 2022, although he had already been named in the squad for the upcoming five-match T20I tour of New Zealand.
His inclusion gives India an experienced fast-bowling option alongside Arshdeep, Prince Yadav and Mayank Yadav.
India and West Indies set for Bengaluru decider
India entered the series under Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy, with Tilak Varma serving as vice-captain.
The hosts took a 2-1 lead after winning the third match in Indore, but West Indies levelled the series in Hyderabad to set up a winner-takes-all finale.
The fifth T20I will be played in Bengaluru on October 17 before India travel to New Zealand for a five-match T20I series beginning in Christchurch on October 22.
