IND vs WI: Bhuvneshwar Kumar set to replace injured Arshdeep Singh?

Powered by Captain Shai Hope's century and Keemo Paul's five wickets, West Indies clawed back to level the series 2-2 with a 24-run win over India in Hyderabad. The series will now be decided by the outcome of the fifth and final T20I, to be played on October 17 at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

However, Team India has suffered a major setback ahead of this decider; fast bowler Arshdeep Singh sustained a shoulder injury during the fourth match, casting doubt on his participation in the fifth T20I.

In the fourth T20I in Hyderabad, the West Indies—invited to bat first—posted a formidable total of 247/3, fueled by a brilliant century from captain Shai Hope. In response, Team India was bundled out for just 223 runs.

There is no definitive medical update yet regarding Arshdeep Singh’s injury, leaving it uncertain whether he will be able to play in the decisive encounter.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Sanju Samson provided an update on Arshdeep, stating that he is receiving the necessary treatment, and the team remains hopeful that he will be fit for the next match.

It will be interesting to see which bowler might replace Arshdeep Singh in the playing XI should he fail to recover in time. According to some reports, Bhuvneshwar Kumar is being considered as a potential replacement. He has been selected for the T20I squad for the New Zealand tour after a long gap of four years; he is currently at the Centre of Excellence, preparing for the upcoming series. However, the BCCI has not yet announced any changes to the squad. It remains to be seen whether Bhuvi will get an opportunity to play an international match before the New Zealand tour.

Former head coach Ravi Shastri wants Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return for the 5th T20I against West Indies if Arshdeep Singh is not available.  

“If Arshdeep Singh’s injury is serious and he misses the 5th T20I against West Indies in Bengaluru, Team India should bring Bhuvneshwar Kumar into the squad as his replacement. India’s T20 bowling attack lacks experience, and Bhuvneshwar’s return could add experience, control and strength to the pace attack.”

Any decision will depend on the medical assessment of Arshdeep. The final match of the series between India and the West Indies will be played on October 17 at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, following which the T20I squad will depart for the New Zealand tour.