Bhuvneshwar’s last appearance for India came during the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final against England, a gap of 1,425 days. The match was reduced to a nine-overs-a-side contest due to rain. India captain Shreyas Iyer announced that Shivam Dube and Bhuvneshwar had been drafted into the playing XI for the series decider.
Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar ‘s persistence paid off on Saturday as he returned to India’s playing XI for the first time in four years in the fifth and final T20I against the West Indies in Bengaluru.
Meanwhile, West Indies won the toss and opted to bat. The visitors made no changes to the side that won the previous match.
Speaking during the toss, WI skipper Hope said, “We are going to bowl first. However, it was the news of Bhuvneshwar’s return that sparked a meltdown on social media, with fans hailing the veteran pacer for his comeback. Rain around, but it is a good pitch. That gives us the best chance to chase it. We tend to have a lot of batters. The focus is on bowling, it is a shortened game. I just think we finish the series strong. Guys are looking forward to it. “The wicket looks pretty good. We just have to be aggressive, not get pressed too much. It is important that we seize the game. Important to put the best foot forward. They have a good array of shots, they have been playing solid and power-packed cricket. We need to think about our strengths as well. Shivam Dube and Bhuvi come in for us – two changes.”
Chants of ‘Bhuvi, Bhuvi’ rang around the Chinnaswamy Stadium before the start of the match.
