Will Bhuvneshwar Kumar play tonight for IND vs WI in 5th T20I?
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Bhuvneshwar Kumar was drafted into the Indian side for last IND vs WI T20I.
The five-match T20I series between India and West Indies is evenly poised at 2-2. The final match, which is scheduled to be played at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, will decide the series winner.
On Saturday, this contest will start at 7 PM IST. This is a crucial game for Shreyas Iyer and co., as India have never lost a T20I series at home against West Indies. The visitors have performed brilliantly and are coming off a great win in Hyderabad.
India have looked below-standard with the ball and have struggled to execute their plans. Arshdeep Singh is doubtful for the game after taking a blow to his shoulder in the last game while batting. It will hurt the bowling combination of India.
Mayank Yadav and Prince Yadav are not much experienced at this level, while both all-rounders, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shivam Dube, have been expensive. Thus, India have gone back to experience Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who was added to the squad for the final game.
IND vs WI: Will Bhuvneshwar Kumar play in the final T20I against West Indies in Bengaluru?
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Bhuvneshwar Kumar was once India’s leading pacer in T20Is, along with Jasprit Bumrah. However, he was out of India’s plan for the last few years. The 36-year-old has played 87 T20Is for India and taken 90 wickets at an economy rate of 6.96.
He played his last T20I for India in November 2022. However, his consistent performance at the IPL forced the selectors to pick him. He was earlier named in squad for New Zealand T20Is; however, injury to Arshdeep Singh made selectors add him to team for last game against West Indies.
But will he play in the final game? The final playing XI of the game will be revealed after the toss, which is scheduled at 6:30 PM IST. Bhuvneshwar is likely to get a game because of the experience he possesses.
He has spent a couple of seasons with Royal Challenger Bengaluru (RCB) and played a lot in Bengaluru. That experience will come in handy for the team, which is struggling in the bowling department. With Arshdeep likely to miss the clash and other fast bowlers not experienced, the 36-year-old is expected to get a game.
India’s possible playing XI for fifth T20I
Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (c), Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Prince Yadav
When and where will the final IND vs WI T20I take place?
The final T20I will take place at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru on Saturday.
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