Bhuvneshwar Kumar Gets Surprise India Call-Up for West Indies T20I Series Finale
Veteran fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar is set to return to India’s T20I setup earlier than anticipated after being added to the squad for the fifth and final match against the West Indies in Bengaluru on Saturday. The 36-year-old was originally selected for India’s upcoming T20I tour of New Zealand.
Bhuvneshwar was undergoing preparations for the New Zealand series at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru when he received the call-up. His inclusion follows an injury concern surrounding Arshdeep Singh, who took a blow to his bowling shoulder during the fourth T20I in Hyderabad on Wednesday.
The senior selection committee has included the experienced pacer in the squad for the series decider at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Arshdeep’s availability will be assessed before the match, depending on his recovery.
The West Indies levelled the five-match series 2-2 with a 24-run victory in Hyderabad, leaving India with everything to play for in the final encounter. Bhuvneshwar’s potential inclusion in the playing XI could provide the hosts with additional experience as they seek to secure the series.
Impressive IPL Season Strengthens Bhuvneshwar’s Case
Bhuvneshwar heads into the potential international comeback on the back of an outstanding IPL 2026 campaign for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He finished the season with 28 wickets in 16 matches at an economy rate of 7.95, helping RCB defend their title successfully.
The right-arm pacer remains known for his ability to swing the new ball, control the powerplay and deliver under pressure in the death overs. His IPL performances have reinforced his credentials in T20 cricket, despite his extended absence from the Indian team.
Bhuvneshwar last represented India in a T20I in November 2022. His selection for the upcoming New Zealand series had already raised hopes of an international return, but the latest call-up could bring that opportunity forward.
India will be hoping to make the most of his experience as they prepare for the decisive fifth T20I. With the West Indies having fought back to level the series, both sides will be aiming to finish the contest with a victory in Bengaluru.
India’s Updated T20I Squad
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 and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
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