Arshdeep Singh is doubtful for the series-deciding fifth T20I against the West Indies due to a shoulder ailment. The interim selection committee, chaired by Pragyan Ojha, has added Bhuvneshwar Kumar to India’s team as a fast-bowling backup. Bhuvneshwar was recalled for the forthcoming T20I trip of New Zealand this week, after last playing for India in November 2022.
Arshdeep was injured when he was hit on the bicep by a Shamar Joseph delivery while batting at the end of India’s chase in the fourth T20I in Hyderabad. That ball proved to be the last of the match, with Arshdeep retiring injured. A BCCI statement stated, “A decision on his participation is likely to be taken prior to the game, based on his recovery.”
Speaking the evening before the fifth T20I, bowling coach Morne Morkel said Bhuvneshwar has been added to the squad, but “nobody is ruled out.” All players are available. [Arshdeep] is recuperating well from a shoulder injury and may still play tomorrow. But clearly, [management] will make a decision tomorrow at some point.”
Bhuvneshwar, meanwhile, went to the Center of Excellence in Bengaluru for a fitness test last week. He has recently increased his bowling workload in preparation for the New Zealand T20Is. He most recently competed in the UPT20 League in September.
Despite claiming to be fully divorced from selection concerns earlier this season, Bhuvneshwar has broken through thanks to his IPL performances for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) over two title-winning seasons. Bhuvneshwar took 28 wickets in 16 matches in the IPL 2026, finishing second only to Purple-Cap winner Kagiso Rabada.
“Very excited to have [Bhuvneshwar] back in the mix,” Morkel replied. “He has obviously done really well here [in Bengaluru] for RCB in the past, and I think his experience will add a lot of value to a… younger bowling attack.”
Arshdeep is part of the T20I squad that will depart for New Zealand on Sunday.
His setback comes at a time when India’s selectors are also deliberating on the composition of the ODI team, following the injuries of several fast bowlers, most notably Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana. As things stand, several players of the squad may be discharged early from the ODI series in New Zealand to prepare for the next two-match Test series.
Also Read : KL Rahul, R Smaran to Miss Saurashtra Game for India A Duty
Arshdeep has played in all four T20Is against West Indies, taking five wickets. Apart from Bhuvneshwar and Arshdeep, the squad’s only other frontline fast-bowling options are Mayank Yadav and Prince Yadav, with Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shivam Dube serving as seam-bowling allrounders.
Yash Patel is a dedicated cricket enthusiast and writer specializing in player biographies, cricket records, match analysis, and the latest developments from the world of cricket.
[…] Also Read : Arshdeep Singh Doubtful as India Adds Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Squad […]
Comments are closed.