Arshdeep Singh’s injury opened a vacancy in India’s T20 squad just before the fifth match against the West Indies. The team management responded by calling in Bhuvneshwar Kumar, whose name had been absent from the recent line‑ups. The move was framed as a direct replacement for the injured left‑armer, giving the veteran bowler a chance to re‑enter the national setup.
Going into the encounter, the series stood level at two wins apiece, making the fifth game the outright decider. The venue was set for Bengaluru, with the brief noting the match would take place on October 17, 2023. Regardless of the year, the stakes were clear: whichever side prevailed would claim the series.
🚨 News 🚨 Arshdeep Singh sustains blow to bowling shoulder; Bhuvneshwar Kumar added to #TeamIndia’s squad for the Bengaluru T20I. More Details ▶️ https://t.co/i18NeqDLrU #INDvWI | @mflone_
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to the squad echoed his earlier recall for the New Zealand T20 fixture in 2022. At 36 years of age, he brings a blend of experience and recent form, highlighted by his performances in the IPL 2026 season. The brief points to his success in that tournament as a factor behind his selection, underscoring how a seasoned campaigner can still find a place in India’s evolving T20 plans.
Regardless of the year, the stakes were clear: whichever side prevailed would claim the series.