Nitish Kumar Reddy has been ruled out of the fifth T20I against West Indies due to a sudden illness.

India have brought in Bhuvneshwar Kumar for the series decider at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

With the five-match T20I series level at 2-2, India and West Indies headed into the final game at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru with the series trophy on the line. Both sides have produced some explosive performances throughout the contest, setting up a decisive clash after West Indies fought back from an early series deficit.

However, India suffered a setback ahead of the series decider, with all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy ruled unavailable due to illness. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Reddy had developed a fever, forcing the team management to adjust its playing XI. India also welcomed veteran fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar back into the side for the crucial encounter.

Why Nitish Kumar Reddy is not playing today’s game against West Indies?

Nitish Kumar Reddy is missing the fifth T20I against West Indies after developing a fever ahead of the series-deciding contest in Bengaluru. The young all-rounder was ruled unavailable for selection, dealing a blow to India’s plans for the final match of the series. Reddy has been viewed as an important seam-bowling all-rounder option for India, providing depth with both bat and ball. His ability to contribute in the middle order while offering an additional pace-bowling option makes him a valuable part of the team’s combination, particularly in the shortest format.

With the series level at 2-2, Reddy’s absence forced India to reconsider their balance for the must-win encounter. The team management needed to adjust its bowling resources while ensuring that the batting lineup retained sufficient depth. His illness also came at an unfortunate time, with India looking to secure the series after a closely fought contest against the visitors.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar returns as India make changes for series decider

While Reddy missed out due to illness, veteran fast bowler Bhuvneshwar made a notable return to India’s T20I playing XI. The experienced pacer had been preparing for India’s upcoming tour of New Zealand at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru before being called up to provide cover for the final T20I. India’s pace attack had suffered a potential setback during the fourth T20I in Hyderabad, where Arshdeep Singh took a blow to his bowling shoulder from a delivery by Shamar Joseph.

With Arshdeep’s availability a concern and Reddy sidelined, Bhuvneshwar’s experience became particularly valuable for the team. The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium also holds special significance for the 36-year-old, as it was the venue where he made his international T20I debut. His return provides India with an experienced option in a shortened contest, where execution with the new ball and at the death can prove decisive. Rain and a wet outfield delayed the toss in Bengaluru, with the match eventually reduced to a nine-over-per-side contest. West Indies captain Shai Hope won the toss and elected to field first, setting up a high-pressure shootout to decide the series.

India’s Playing XI: Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (c), Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Prince Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

West Indies’ Playing XI: Shai Hope (c & wk), Jewel Andrew, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Roston Chase, Shamar Springer, Keemo Paul, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie.