SportsPosted at: Oct 17 2026 9:14PM


WI opt to bowl, India bring back Bhuvneshwar in reduced decider

Bengaluru, Oct 17 (UNI) West Indies won the toss and elected to field against India in the fifth and final T20 International at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium here on Saturday, with the rain-hit series decider reduced to nine overs a side and Bhuvneshwar Kumar returning to India's playing XI.
The match is scheduled to begin at 21.15 hours, with the powerplay lasting 2.4 overs, after persistent rain delayed the toss and threatened to wash out the contest.
With the five-match series level at 2-2, both teams will have little time to settle into the contest, setting the stage for a high-intensity finish in the shortened game.
India made two changes to their playing XI, bringing in Shivam Dube and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, batter Shreyas Iyer said after the toss.
“Quick turnaround. The wicket looks pretty good. We just have to be aggressive, not get pressed too much. It's important that we seize the game,” Iyer said, stressing the need to play to India's strengths against a West Indies side known for its power-hitting.
West Indies captain Shai Hope said the decision to bowl first was influenced by the weather and the prospect of chasing under shortened conditions.
“Rain around, but it's a good pitch. That gives us the best chance to chase it,” Hope said, adding that his team wanted to finish the series strongly.
The delay had earlier prompted concerns among spectators, with dark clouds hovering over the stadium and drizzle interrupting preparations. The Chinnaswamy Stadium's drainage facilities, however, helped keep hopes alive for a result.
With the series evenly poised, the curtailed decider leaves little margin for error as India and West Indies look to claim the series in a nine-over shootout.
Teams: India (Playing XI): Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson(w), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer(c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Prince Yadav, Arshdeep Singh
West Indies (Playing XI): Shai Hope(w/c), Jewel Andrew, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Roston Chase, Keemo Paul, Shamar Springer, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph
UNI BDN
Tags: #WI opt to bowl# India bring back Bhuvneshwar in reduced decider
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