Team India have brought senior pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar back into the squad earlier than expected, naming the experienced bowler ahead of the fifth and final T20I against the West Indies on Friday. Bhuvneshwar has been included as a replacement for left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, who picked up an injury during the fourth T20I in Hyderabad.

The 36-year-old is returning to the Indian team after a gap of nearly four years. His last international appearance for India came against New Zealand in November 2022. With the five-match series level at 2-2, his possible inclusion in the playing XI has added to the anticipation surrounding the series decider.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar Returns To India’s T20I Squad

Bhuvneshwar’s return comes at a crucial stage, with India and the West Indies set to battle for the series in the final match. The experienced seamer brings years of international experience and is known for his ability to generate swing with the new ball.

His inclusion follows Arshdeep Singh’s injury during the fourth T20I in Hyderabad. However, whether Bhuvneshwar features in the final playing XI will depend on the team management’s decision.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s Bengaluru Connection

Bhuvneshwar’s return has also drawn attention because of his association with Bengaluru. The pacer played a key role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL title-winning campaigns in 2025 and 2026, strengthening his connection with the franchise and its supporters.

With the series tied at 2-2, fans will be eager to see whether the veteran bowler gets an opportunity to make an impact in the decisive encounter.

India’s Updated T20I Squad

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