Bhuvneshwar Kumar torna presto, si unisce alla squadra dell'India per il T20 di Bengaluru contro le Indie Occidentali

Veteran fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar has returned to the Indian T20I squad ahead of schedule, joining the team for the final match of the five-game series against the West Indies in Bengaluru. The 36-year-old, who had been scheduled to return to international cricket during India's upcoming T20I series in New Zealand, will now play in the decisive fifth T20I on October 17. His inclusion follows an injury to left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, who sustained a blow to his bowling shoulder during the fourth T20I in Hyderabad on Wednesday. Kumar last represented India in a T20I in November 2022, making this his first appearance for the national team in four years. His recall comes after an outstanding performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he took 28 wickets in 16 matches at an economy rate of 7.95. This helped RCB defend its title successfully, showcasing his continued relevance in the shortest format of the game. The West Indies leveled the series 2-2 with a 24-run victory in Hyderabad, setting up a crucial final match in Bengaluru. India's updated T20I squad includes Shreyas Iyer as captain, along with players such as Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson as wicketkeepers, and Tilak Varma as vice-captain. Arshdeep Singh's availability for the final match will depend on his recovery progress, with a decision expected before the game. Bhuvneshwar Kumar's experience and ability to swing the new ball are expected to provide India with a tactical advantage in the decider. His inclusion adds depth to the bowling attack, particularly given the high-scoring nature of the series so far. The final T20I will be held at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, with weather conditions potentially affecting the match due to a muggy forecast. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed Kumar's addition to the squad, citing his readiness to contribute immediately. His presence in the lineup highlights the importance of experienced players in tight series scenarios. The updated T20I squad features 16 players, including Kumar, who has previously played 87 T20Is and claimed 90 wickets for India. The decision to include Kumar reflects the selectors' confidence in his ability to perform under pressure. His recent form in the IPL, combined with his track record in international cricket, makes him a valuable asset for India as they aim to secure a series win in Bengaluru. The outcome of the final match will determine the winner of the five-match T20I series between the two teams.