Arshdeep Singh Doubtful for Fifth T20I, Bhuvneshwar Kumar Added to India Squad

Bengaluru, Oct 16 : India have added experienced pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar to their squad for the fifth and final T20 International against the West Indies after left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh sustained an injury to his bowling shoulder during the previous match in Hyderabad.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said on Friday that Arshdeep's participation in the series decider would be determined before the match, depending on his recovery.

The fifth T20I will be played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium here on Saturday, with the five-match series currently level at 2-2.

Bhuvneshwar's inclusion provides India with an experienced pace-bowling option ahead of the crucial encounter. The 36-year-old has extensive international experience in the shortest format and is known for his ability to swing the new ball and deliver effective variations in the death overs.

Arshdeep sustained the injury during the fourth T20I against the West Indies in Hyderabad on Wednesday, prompting the selection committee to bring Bhuvneshwar into the squad as cover.

The updated 16-member Indian squad is led by Shreyas Iyer, with Tilak Varma serving as vice-captain. The squad comprises Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Naman Dhir and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

With the series tied, Saturday's contest will determine the winner. India will look to finalise their bowling combination based on Arshdeep's fitness and the conditions at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

The announcement was made by BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia.