Veteran seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s remarkable comeback story has gained another chapter, with the BCCI drafting the experienced pacer into India’s squad for the fifth and final T20I against the West Indies after Arshdeep Singh suffered a shoulder injury.
The board announced on Friday that Arshdeep sustained a blow to his bowling shoulder during the fourth T20I in Hyderabad, prompting selectors to rope in the 36-year-old ahead of Saturday’s series finale at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The call-up continues Bhuvneshwar’s fairytale return to India’s T20I setup. Only days ago, he made a surprise comeback after nearly four years when he was named in the squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand.
Despite being away from international cricket, Bhuvneshwar has remained a force in the IPL. The swing specialist claimed 45 wickets across the last two seasons for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, playing a key role in the franchise’s recent title-winning success.
His inclusion, however, creates a ripple effect elsewhere. Bhuvneshwar had recently been named captain of India’s Hong Kong Sixes squad, meaning selectors will now need to appoint a new skipper for that tournament.
Following the West Indies series, India will travel to New Zealand for a multi-format tour beginning with the first T20I in Christchurch on October 22.