Bhuvneshwar Kumar makes T20I comeback after four years as India asked to bat first against West Indies

Bhuvneshwar Kumar returns Bhuvneshwar Kumar is back in India’s T20I playing XI after four years and the veteran pacer could hardly have asked for a more familiar setting for his comeback. The M Chinnaswamy Stadium, where he made his T20I debut, gave a roaring welcome to favorites Royal Challengers Bengaluru as he returned to India’s playing XI for the rain-plagued fifth T20I against West Indies on Saturday.With persistent rain disrupting proceedings, the series decider was reduced to a nine-a-side contest. With the five-game series tied at 2-2, the shortened encounter leaves little room for error, with the winner poised to clinch the streak.Bhuvneshwar’s inclusion comes after Arshdeep Singh’s participation was in doubt following an injury sustained during India’s chase in the fourth T20I. The veteran seamer recently returned to India’s international plans after being named in the T20I squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand and has now been drafted into the playing eleven for the series decider.West Indies captain Shai Hope won the toss and elected to bowl first, citing the conditions and his team’s batting depth as key factors in the decision.

Bhuvneshwar, Shivam Dube Return to India’s Playing XI

India captain Shreyas Iyer confirmed two changes to the squad, with Shivam Dube and Bhuvneshwar coming into the playing eleven.“Quick turnaround. The wicket looks pretty good. We have to be aggressive, don’t let ourselves be pushed too much. It’s important that we take control of the game. Important to put our best foot forward. They have a good range of shots, they played solid, hard-hitting cricket. We have to think about our strengths as well,” said Shivam Dube and Bhuvi to Isyer, two changes.

Shai Hope picks the Bowl first

West Indies captain Shai Hope opted to field first as he believed his team would benefit from chasing in a shortened match.“We’re going to bowl first. It’s raining around but it’s a good pitch. That gives us the best chance to chase it down. We tend to have a lot of batsmen. We focus on bowling, it’s a shortened game. I just think we’re going to finish the series. The boys are looking forward to it,” Hope said.

India vs West Indies 5th T20I: Playing XI

India: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Prince Yadav, Arshdeep Singh.West Indies: Shai Hope (c/wk), Jewel Andrew, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Roston Chase, Keemo Paul, Shamar Springer, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph.