Kaif backs Kuldeep Yadav return for fifth T20I

Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has called for Kuldeep Yadav to be recalled for the fifth T20I against West Indies in Bengaluru on October 17. Kaif questioned the decision to drop the wrist-spinner after he leaked 53 runs in four overs during the second match. He argued that one poor outing should not end Kuldeep's series participation.

India lost the fourth T20I in Hyderabad by 24 runs after posting 223 for nine in pursuit of West Indies' 247 for three. West Indies spinners Gudakesh Motie and Roston Chase took wickets and controlled the middle overs while India's spin options Axar Patel and Naman Dhir failed to build pressure. Former pacer Varun Aaron said the Hyderabad surface offered grip and that Kuldeep could have exploited the conditions.

India leads the five-match series 2-2. The decider will be played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium where the team management must decide whether to retain an extra pacer or bring back the specialist spinner.