RCB boy Bhuvneshwar Kumar got India back in the decider as Chinnaswamy blasted

Bhuvneshwar Kumar is back in Indian colors for the series decider against the West Indies and the joy in Bengaluru could only be felt by the noise level at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday 17 October. The crowd erupted into cheers when Shreyas Iyer announced the changes to the Indian team ahead of the nine-over match. The 36-year-old replaced Mayank Yadav in the squad for the match.

Bhuvneshwar returns to India’s playing XI in any format after 1425 days. The right-arm pacer fought his way back into contention after two sensational seasons in RCB colors and helped them win the IPL title on both occasions.

Here’s a look at #TeamIndia’s Playing XI for the series decider! : Nitish Kumar Reddy was not available for selection in the fifth T20I against West Indies due to illness. #INDvWI Match Updates | @mflone_ BCCI (@BCCI) October 17, 2026

IND vs. WI 5. T20I UPDATE

Bhuvneshwar has taken 45 wickets in the last two seasons of the IPL and played a significant role in their winning runs. His 2026 campaign in particular stood out as the veteran pacer finished with 28 wickets at an economy rate of 7.95.

Bhuvneshwar was initially included in the T20I squad for the tour of New Zealand but India were forced to make a quick change as Arshdeep Singh suffered an injury in the 4th T20I.

There was much doubt that the match would take place on Saturday as rain kept the players in the dressing room for almost two hours. The drainage system at the Chinnaswamy Stadium went into overdrive and the match was reduced to a nine-a-side match.

Along with Bhuvneshwar, India decided to bring back Shivam Dube for the match in place of Nitish Kumar Reddy, who is out due to illness. West Indies opted to remain unchanged for the competition after their big win in Hyderabad.

IND vs WI 5th T20I: PLAYING XIS

India (Playing XI): Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson(w), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer(c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Prince Yadav, Arshdeep Singh

West Indies (Playing XI): Shai Hope (w/c), Jewel Andrew, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Roston Chase, Keemo Paul, Shamar Springer, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph

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