Cricket

Rain threat looms over India vs West Indies T20I series decider

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Oct 17, 2026, 08:52 IST

With the T20I series tied at 2-2, India and the West Indies face a potential washout in Bengaluru as inclement weather threatens the deciding match of the high-scoring contest.

Rain threat looms over India vs West Indies T20I series decider

Persistent evening showers in Bengaluru have cast a shadow over the highly anticipated T20I series decider between India and the West Indies. With the five-match series currently locked at 2-2, both sides are eager to secure a victory, yet the weekend weather forecast suggests that rain could play a significant role in Saturday night's proceedings.

India enters the final clash with a notable record on the line, having avoided defeat in a home bilateral T20I series since February 2019. The series has been defined by explosive batting, with a total of 1,403 runs scored across 118 overs in the last three matches alone. While the opening game saw India comfortably chase down a target of 172, the subsequent encounters have highlighted the struggles of the bowling units on both sides.

Bowling concerns and squad updates

The Indian bowling attack has faced significant pressure throughout the series, particularly during the second match in Ranchi, where the West Indies successfully chased a target of 250. The absence of key personnel like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya has been felt, with the pace unit struggling to maintain consistency during the Powerplay overs. While Arshdeep Singh has provided moments of impact, his availability for the decider remains uncertain after he sustained a blow to his bowling shoulder from a Shamar Joseph delivery in Hyderabad.

In response to these challenges, the hosts have bolstered their squad with the inclusion of veteran seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The 36-year-old, who last featured in a T20I against New Zealand in November 2022, brings significant experience at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, having previously represented the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL. Bowling coach Morne Morkel confirmed that Arshdeep is still in contention for selection, noting that the young pacer is recovering well, while expressing enthusiasm about the return of Bhuvneshwar to the setup.