India and West Indies will lock horns in the fifth and final T20I of the series in Bengaluru on Saturday (October 17). The series is level at 2-2 and the team winning the final game will clinch the series.
The batters have dominated so far and once again, the team batting first is likely to set a target of more than 200. The few could play a big role once again. India added Bhuvneshwar Kumar to the squad for the fifth game. Arshdeep Singh, who suffered a shoulder injury during the fourth game, is doubtful for the much-awaited game and Bhuvneshwar seems to be in line to replace him. On the eve of the series decider, here we have a look at India’s likely playing XI for the fixture –
Openers
Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma will continue to open the innings. Samson returned to form in the fourth game and hit 56 off just 23 balls. He batted at a strike rate of 243.48 before departing in the powerplay. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been on the bench in the series and he isn’t in contention to play the fifth game.
Middle order
Ishan Kishan will continue to bat at number three and will be followed by Shreyas Iyer. Tilak Varma will bat at number five. India need their middle order to fire in the must-win game.
All-rounders
Naman Dhir, Axar Patel and Nitish Kumar Reddy are likely to retain their spots. Nitish scored a brilliant 41 off 20 balls but couldn’t propel India to a win. He struggled with the ball and leaked 39 runs in three overs.
Bowlers
Kumar looks all but set to play the fifth game in place of Arshdeep. Bhuvneshwar has plenty of experience of playing at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium and he can prove be the game-changer with the ball. Bhuvneshwar will travel to New Zealand with the T20I team following the fifth game. The rest of the bowling line-up should remain the same.
India’s likely playing XI for fifth T20I
Shreyas Iyer (Captain), Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav