Bhuvneshwar Kumar replaces injured Arshdeep Singh in India’s squad for 5th T20I vs West Indies

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been added to India’s squad for the fifth T20I against West Indies after Arshdeep Singh sustained an injury to his bowling shoulder. According to a BCCI release, the change has been made ahead of the final match of the series in Bengaluru on Saturday.

The 36-year-old Bhuvneshwar was already preparing for India’s upcoming T20I series against New Zealand at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. He was named in the squad for the New Zealand series and will now join the team for the fifth T20I against West Indies. He last played a T20I for India in November 2022.

Arshdeep Singh suffered the shoulder injury during the fourth T20I in Hyderabad on Wednesday. Following the injury, the Men's Selection Committee decided to add Bhuvneshwar to the squad for the final match. The fifth T20I will be played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on October 17, 2026.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar replaces injured Arshdeep Singh in India’s 5th T20I squad

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been added to India’s squad for the fifth T20I against West Indies after Arshdeep Singh sustained an injury to his bowling shoulder. Confirming the change, the BCCI said in a press release, “The Men's Selection Committee has added Bhuvneshwar Kumar to the India squad for the fifth Muthoot FinCorp T20I against West Indies. The final match of the ongoing T20I series will be played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru on October 17, 2026.”

The BCCI also shared an update on Arshdeep Singh’s injury. “Bhuvneshwar Kumar was added to the squad after Arshdeep Singh sustained a blow to his bowling shoulder during the fourth T20I of the series against West Indies on Wednesday in Hyderabad. A decision on his participation for the final T20I will be taken before the game based on his recovery,” the press release stated.

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Bhuvneshwar has returned to India’s T20I setup after nearly four years and has also been selected for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand, starting on October 22. His last T20I appearance for India came against New Zealand in November 2022. The experienced pacer impressed in IPL 2026, taking 28 wickets for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at an economy rate of 7.95. His strong performance has helped him earn another opportunity with the national team.

Arshdeep Singh injury update: What we know so far

Arshdeep Singh suffered a painful shoulder injury during the fourth T20I against West Indies in Hyderabad on Wednesday. The Indian pacer was hit by a short-pitched delivery from Shamar Joseph in the final over of India's chase. The blow left Arshdeep in considerable pain, and the team physios quickly came onto the field to check his condition.

India needed 35 runs from the final over with just one wicket remaining when Joseph bowled a series of short-pitched deliveries at Arshdeep. One of the deliveries struck the left-arm pacer on his left shoulder. The incident sparked debate among fans, with some questioning Joseph's approach as India had very little chance of chasing the target.

See also -Watch: Arshdeep Singh retires out after injury scare in India’s fourth T20I against West Indies

Despite the pain, Arshdeep initially tried to continue batting. However, he appeared to be struggling, and India captain Shreyas Iyer eventually advised him to retire. The decision brought India's chase to an end as West Indies secured a 24-run victory and levelled the five-match series at 2-2. Arshdeep's recovery will be important ahead of the fifth and final T20I in Bengaluru.

What Bhuvneshwar’s inclusion means for India’s Playing XI

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s inclusion gives India an experienced fast-bowling option ahead of the fifth T20I against West Indies. The right-arm pacer has made a strong comeback through his performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL). After playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2023 and 2024, he joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ahead of the 2025 season. He took 17 wickets in 2025 before improving his performance in IPL 2026.

Bhuvneshwar enjoyed an impressive IPL 2026 season, taking 28 wickets in 16 matches at an economy rate of 7.95 for RCB. His ability to swing the new ball and bowl effectively at the death could make him a valuable option for India. His strong performances have also helped him earn a return to the national team after nearly four years. He was initially expected to return during the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand, but Arshdeep Singh’s injury has brought him into the squad earlier.

Bhuvneshwar’s experience could help India strengthen their bowling attack for the series decider against West Indies. The five-match series is level at 2-2 after West Indies secured a 24-run victory in Hyderabad. His inclusion gives the team another experienced option, although his place in the playing XI will depend on the team management’s decision. India will look to make the most of his skills as they aim to win the final T20I in Bengaluru.

India’s updated T20I squad for 5th T20I: 

Shreyas Iyer [C], Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan [WK], Sanju Samson [WK], Tilak Varma [VC], Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Naman Dhir, Bhuvneshwar Kumar.