Pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar could feature in the fifth T20 match against the West Indies, scheduled for Saturday in Bengaluru. Arshdeep Singh has sustained a shoulder injury, which has led to Bhuvneshwar’s inclusion in the squad. The series between India and the West Indies is currently level at 2-2.

Bhuvneshwar, 36, had been selected for the T20 squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand, which begins on October 22. However, due to Arshdeep’s injury, his return may come sooner than expected. Bhuvneshwar last played an international match in 2022.

Arshdeep sustained an injury to his bowling shoulder during the fourth T20 match held in Hyderabad on Wednesday. In light of this, Bhuvneshwar has been brought into the team.

A decision on whether Arshdeep will play in the final match will be made based on his recovery status ahead of the game. If Arshdeep is not fit, Bhuvneshwar may get an opportunity.

Arshdeep is India’s leading wicket-taker in the series.

Arshdeep Singh is currently India’s highest wicket-taker in this series, having claimed 5 wickets across 4 matches. His best performance came in the third match, where he took 3 wickets for 44 runs.

Bhuvneshwar returns to Team India after a long absence.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar played his last T20 International against New Zealand in Napier on November 22, 2022. In that match, he conceded 35 runs in his 4 overs without taking a wicket. He has been out of the Indian team ever since.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has played 206 matches in the IPL, taking 226 wickets at an economy rate of 7.71. He has also won the ‘Purple Cap’ twice. He achieved this feat in 2016 and 2017 while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad and was the second highest wicket taker in 2026. He is also the only bowler in the league to have won the Purple Cap in the IPL in consecutive years.