India and West Indies are preparing for a winner-takes-all showdown in Bengaluru, but the weather could disrupt the series finale before either team gets a chance to settle the contest. With the five-match T20I series tied at 2-2, uncertainty over Saturday's game has added another layer of tension to an already high-stakes encounter.

There is also a familiar name drawing attention ahead of the decider. Bhuvneshwar Kumar could be in contention for an India comeback, offering a possible solution to the hosts' bowling concerns. Whether fans get to see the veteran pacer back in action, however, may depend on conditions at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

IND vs WI 5th T20I : Bengaluru weather raises concerns over series decider

The fifth T20I is scheduled to start at 7 PM IST on Saturday, but forecasts suggest the weather could interfere with proceedings. The India Meteorological Department has predicted cloudy conditions over Bengaluru, with the possibility of rain or thundershowers. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are also expected, while temperatures could range between 21°C and 29°C.

AccuWeather has indicated a heightened chance of precipitation around the scheduled start. The probability was forecast to reach around 67 per cent at 7 PM and 71 per cent at 8 PM, before declining later in the evening. If the forecast materialises, the match could face a delayed start or interruptions.

A rain-affected decider would leave both teams with little room to settle into their usual plans. The toss could become particularly important if overs are reduced, while moisture and dew could make gripping and controlling the ball more difficult for the bowlers.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar comeback : India seek a solution to West Indies' explosive batting

India's bowlers have struggled to contain West Indies, who chased 250 in Ranchi before falling short of 224 in Indore. They bounced back in Hyderabad with 247/3, defending the total by 24 runs to level the series 2-2.

With Jasprit Bumrah rested, India's pace attack has come under pressure, with Prince Yadav the only frontline bowler to maintain an economy rate below 10 runs per over. Bowling coach Morne Morkel has cited flat pitches, dew, wet-ball difficulties and a packed schedule as contributing factors.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar could bring much-needed experience after joining the squad following Arshdeep Singh's shoulder injury in Hyderabad. His new-ball swing and death-over variations could help counter West Indies' power hitters.

Bhuvneshwar last played for India in 2021 and was initially selected for the upcoming New Zealand tour, but his inclusion in the playing XI for the decider remains uncertain.

IND vs WI 5th T20I squads

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

West Indies: Shai Hope (wk/c), Jewel Andrew, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Roston Chase, Keemo Paul, Shamar Springer, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph, Akeal Hosein, Amir Jangoo, Matthew Forde, Quentin Sampson, Kamil Pooran.