Is Bhuvneshwar Kumar Playing Today In IND Vs WI 5th T20I In Bengaluru?

The fifth and final T20I between India and West Indies is being played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, October 17, 2026. With the five-match series tied 2-2, both teams are looking to secure a series victory. However, persistent rain has disrupted proceedings, forcing the contest to be reduced to nine overs per side.

Yes, Bhuvneshwar Kumar is playing in the fifth T20I, replacing Mayank Yadav in India's playing XI. The experienced pacer returns to the national T20I side after 1,425 days, offering India a boost in a shortened, high-pressure contest.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar Replaces Mayank Yadav

Bhuvneshwar's return comes after Arshdeep Singh sustained a shoulder injury during the fourth T20I in Hyderabad. Initially brought into the squad as cover, the veteran seamer has now earned a place in the playing XI. His ability to swing the new ball, execute slower deliveries and bowl under pressure could prove valuable in a nine-over game, where every delivery matters.

Also Check: IND vs WI 5th T20I Live Score

The 36-year-old last represented India in a T20I in November 2022. His comeback follows an impressive Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 campaign for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he claimed 28 wickets in 16 matches at an economy rate of 7.95.

Mayank Yadav's Expensive Outings in the Series

Mayank has struggled to keep West Indies' aggressive batters in check. Across four matches in the series, he conceded 162 runs in 15 overs, taking four wickets at an economy rate of 10.80.

His toughest outing came in the fourth T20I, when he conceded 52 runs in four overs without taking a wicket. West Indies posted 247/3 and went on to beat India by 24 runs, levelling the series.