The fifth and final T20I between India and the West Indies will take place in Bengaluru at M Chinnaswamy Stadium as the series goes 2-2. The winner of the series decider will take the trophy, putting additional pressure on Shreyas Iyer and his Indian side to deliver in the crucial encounter.
The biggest discussion on the talk of the town before the match is the presence of veteran fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the squad, who skips the match for the first time after four years. His name has been included following the shoulder injury tweaked by Arshdeep Singh during the fourth T20I. The experience of Bhuvneshwar would be useful for India ahead of the showdown.
But India will also have to play a way to contain the prolific West Indies batter, Shai Hope, who has played an outstanding series in India. The opener has racked up two hundreds in the tour and is among the potential targets for the Indian bowling attack. It may be crucial for India to withhold Hope from the early spot in order to entertain any hopes for a series victory.
Meanwhile, India have made another change to their playing combination ahead of the fifth T20I. All rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy was not fit for the selection due to his ailment, says BCCI official update.
Hence, Shivam Dube became an in-form member of the squad, replacing Reddy from the offense. Besides providing India another batsman they have, Dube brings flexibility to their squad as well.
The final T20I between India and West Indies is set to be an unpredictable affair with both teams having won two of their two encounters played in the series thus far. While home will be best for the Indians, the West Indies will attempt to take the best of their form and secure some victories on Indian soil.