Veteran fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar is set to make an earlier-than-expected return to India’s T20I setup after being added to the squad for the fifth and final T20I against the West Indies in Bengaluru on Saturday. The 36-year-old was initially selected for India’s upcoming T20I series against New Zealand.
Bhuvneshwar was preparing for the New Zealand tour at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru when he received the call-up. His inclusion follows an injury concern involving Arshdeep Singh, who sustained a blow to his bowling shoulder during the fourth T20I in Hyderabad on Wednesday. The senior selection committee has added Bhuvneshwar Kumar to the squad for the series decider at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. However, a final decision on Arshdeep’s availability will be made closer to the match, depending on his recovery.
India and the West Indies head into the fifth T20I with the series level at 2-2. The visitors secured a 24-run victory in Hyderabad to force a decider, putting additional pressure on the Indian bowling attack to deliver in Bengaluru. With both teams having been involved in high-scoring contests, Bhuvneshwar’s experience could prove valuable if he gets an opportunity.
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The experienced pacer last represented India in a T20I in November 2022. Since then, he has continued to impress in domestic cricket and the IPL, strengthening his case for an international comeback.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar enjoyed an outstanding IPL 2026 campaign with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, claiming 28 wickets in 16 matches at an economy rate of 7.95. His performances played an important role in RCB’s successful title defence, underlining his ability to deliver consistently in the shortest format.
🚨 News 🚨
Arshdeep Singh sustains blow to bowling shoulder; Bhuvneshwar Kumar added to #TeamIndia’s squad for the Bengaluru T20I.
More Details ▶️ https://t.co/i18NeqDLrU
#INDvWI | @mflone_
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 16, 2026
Known for his ability to swing the new ball and execute accurate deliveries during the death overs, Bhuvneshwar offers India an experienced option at a crucial stage of the series. His control and variations could be particularly useful against a West Indies batting lineup that has produced powerful performances throughout the contest.
The New Zealand T20I series was expected to mark Bhuvneshwar’s return to international cricket, but the latest development could bring that comeback forward. With the series trophy at stake, India will hope to settle the selection uncertainty and put together a disciplined bowling performance in the final match.
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Whether Bhuvneshwar Kumar takes the field or Arshdeep recovers in time, India will need a strong effort from their bowlers to prevent the West Indies from taking the series.
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.
