IND vs WI 2026: Bhuvneshwar Kumar Called Up as Cover for Arshdeep Singh Ahead of 5th T20I vs West Indies
Arshdeep Singh's injury in the 4th T20I against West Indies on October 14, 2026, makes him a doubt for the series-deciding fifth match. Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, with 28 wickets for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026, is a potential cover.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has drafted veteran fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar into the national squad ahead of the fifth and final T20I against the West Indies. Announced by the Men's Selection Committee on Friday, 16 October, the 36-year-old joins the setup as injury cover for left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh prior to Saturday's series decider at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Bengaluru Weather Forecast and Rain Chances for India vs West Indies 5th T20I 2026.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar Comes in As Cover For Arshdeep Singh
🚨 News 🚨
Arshdeep Singh sustains blow to bowling shoulder; Bhuvneshwar Kumar added to #TeamIndia’s squad for the Bengaluru T20I.
More Details ▶️ https://t.co/D6nH8QZsti
#INDvWI | @mflone_
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 16, 2026
Arshdeep Singh's Shoulder Injury Assessment
The late squad adjustment follows an injury sustained by Arshdeep Singh during the fourth T20I in Hyderabad on Wednesday. According to an official media advisory released by BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia, Arshdeep took a blow to his bowling shoulder during the fixture, which India lost by 24 runs to leave the five-match series level at 2-2.
Arshdeep has not been officially ruled out of the Bengaluru fixture and remains listed in the squad. However, the BCCI confirmed that a final call regarding his inclusion in the playing XI will be made ahead of the toss on Saturday, depending on his medical assessment and recovery progress. India Likely Playing XI for 5th T20I 2026 vs West Indies: Check Predicted 11.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar's International Return
For Bhuvneshwar, the call-up accelerates a return to international cricket nearly four years after his last appearance for India in November 2022. Earlier in October, the swing bowler was named in India's 16-member squad for the upcoming five-match T20I tour of New Zealand, scheduled to commence in Christchurch on 22 October.
With the Indian contingent set to depart for New Zealand shortly after the conclusion of the West Indies series, integrating Bhuvneshwar into the camp in Bengaluru provides Captain Shreyas Iyer and the team management with an experienced pace option. Should Arshdeep fail to pass his fitness test, Bhuvneshwar will compete with Mayank Yadav and Prince Yadav for a starting berth in the seam attack.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 16, 2026 02:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
