Veteran Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been added to India’s squad for the fifth T20I against West Indies. The move comes after Arshdeep Singh suffered a left shoulder injury during the fourth match of the series in Hyderabad.
Arshdeep sustained the injury while batting and retired hurt after facing one more delivery. West Indies went on to win the match and level the five-match series 2-2. The final T20I will take place at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on October 17.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed Bhuvneshwar’s inclusion. However, it has not clarified whether the move is only a precautionary measure. Arshdeep remains part of the squad, and his availability for the final match will depend on his recovery.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar Gets Another Chance After Impressive IPL Campaigns
Bhuvneshwar’s return marks an important moment in his international career. The 36-year-old has been out of favour with the national selectors for nearly four years. His last appearance for India came against New Zealand in Napier in November 2022.
The experienced seamer has impressed with his performances in the Indian Premier League. He was part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s title-winning campaigns and has now earned another opportunity to represent the national team.
Bhuvneshwar has also been selected for India’s T20I squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand. The series is scheduled to begin on October 22. His inclusion could help India strengthen their pace attack ahead of the tour.
With the series against West Indies tied at 2-2, India will look to secure a victory in the final match. Bhuvneshwar could feature if the team management decides to include him in the playing XI.
India’s Updated T20I Squad
Shreyas Iyer (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma (vice-captain), Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Naman Dhir and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
