Arshdeep Singh Doubtful for Fifth T20I Against West Indies, Bhuvneshwar Kumar Added to India Squad

India fast bowler Arshdeep Singh is doubtful for the series-deciding fifth T20I against West Indies due to a shoulder injury, prompting the interim selection committee, headed by Pragyan Ojha, to add experienced pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar to the squad as cover.

Arshdeep sustained the injury during the fourth T20I in Hyderabad when a delivery from West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph struck his bicep while he was batting towards the end of India's chase. The incident occurred on the final ball of the match, forcing Arshdeep to retire hurt.

According to a statement released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), a final decision on Arshdeep's participation in the fifth T20I will be taken before the match, depending on his recovery.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar Returns as Pace Cover

Bhuvneshwar's inclusion comes after his recent recall to India's T20I squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand. The experienced fast bowler last represented India in November 2022 and has been working towards regaining full match fitness.

The 36-year-old reported to the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru last week for a fitness assessment and has since increased his bowling workload in preparation for the New Zealand series. His most recent competitive appearance came in the UPT20 League in September.

Bhuvneshwar's return to the national setup follows impressive performances for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) across successive IPL title-winning campaigns. In IPL 2026, he claimed 28 wickets in 16 matches, finishing second on the wickets chart behind Purple Cap winner Kagiso Rabada.

India's Pace Options Under Scrutiny

Arshdeep has played in all four T20Is against West Indies so far, taking five wickets. His potential absence could leave India with limited specialist fast-bowling options for the series decider.

Apart from Arshdeep and Bhuvneshwar, Mayank Yadav and Prince Yadav are the other frontline pace options in the squad. All-rounders Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shivam Dube also provide seam-bowling support.

Arshdeep is also part of India's T20I squad scheduled to depart for New Zealand on Sunday. His injury adds to the selection challenges facing the team management, with fast bowlers Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana also dealing with injuries ahead of the ODI series in New Zealand.

There is also a possibility that some members of India's squad could be released early from the ODI series to prepare for the subsequent two-match Test series.

India Squad for Fifth T20I Against West Indies

Shreyas Iyer (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Naman Dhir and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

The final decision on Arshdeep's availability is expected ahead of the fifth T20I, with India awaiting an update on his recovery before confirming their playing combination for the series decider.