Bhuvneshwar Kumar Returns to India’s T20I Squad Ahead of West Indies Decider
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been brought into India’s squad for the series-deciding T20I against the West Indies after Arshdeep Singh suffered a shoulder injury in the previous match. The experienced pacer could make an international comeback nearly four years after his last appearance for India.
The fifth and final T20I will be played in Bengaluru on Saturday, October 17. The five-match series is level at 2-2 after the West Indies won the fourth game in Hyderabad.
Arshdeep’s Availability Depends on Recovery
Arshdeep sustained an injury to his left shoulder and upper arm while batting in the final over of India’s chase. A short delivery from Shamar Joseph left him in considerable pain, prompting the team’s medical staff to attend to him.
Although the left-arm pacer attempted to continue after receiving treatment, he retired hurt on five after facing one more delivery.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that Arshdeep remains part of the squad. However, his involvement in the series finale will depend on how well he recovers before the match.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s International Comeback
Bhuvneshwar last represented India in November 2022, during a T20I against New Zealand in Napier. The 36-year-old has been out of the national team for nearly four years but has continued to feature in the Indian Premier League.
His performances for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in recent IPL campaigns have strengthened his case for a return. He has also been selected in India’s T20I squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand, which begins on October 22.
The final T20I against the West Indies could therefore offer Bhuvneshwar an opportunity to return to international cricket before the New Zealand series.
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.
