Bhuvneshwar Kumar added to India squad for fifth T20I against West Indies
Bhuvneshwar Kumar joins India's squad for the decider after Arshdeep Singh suffered a shoulder injury in the fourth T20I.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been added to India's squad for the fifth and final T20I against the West Indies scheduled for Saturday at Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium. The BCCI said Kumar was included after Arshdeep Singh sustained a blow to his bowling shoulder during the fourth T20I in Hyderabad. A decision on his participation will be taken prior to the game based on his recovery.
Arshdeep was struck on the arm by a short ball from Shamar Joseph in the final over while batting with the lower order. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar criticised Joseph for repeatedly targeting the batter instead of aiming at the exposed stumps. Gavaskar said the tactic was unnecessary given the match situation.
The series is level at 2-2. Kumar, who last played a T20I in November 2022, is already in India's squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand starting October 22.
CricHubb Take
The quick call-up of a 36-year-old seamer for a must-win game reveals how thin India's current pace depth is once the frontline options are removed. Kumar's inclusion also shows the selectors value proven death-over control over giving another uncapped bowler a high-pressure debut.