India bowling coach Morne Morkel has provided an update on Arshdeep Singh’s availability ahead of the fifth and final T20I against West Indies in Bengaluru on Saturday, October 17. The left-arm pacer suffered a shoulder injury during the fourth T20I in Hyderabad, raising doubts over his participation in the series decider.
The BCCI has added experienced pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar to the squad as a precautionary option. However, Arshdeep remains in contention for the final match, with the team management set to assess his fitness before making a decision.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Morkel said, “No one is ruled out, we will see tomorrow.”
His comments suggest that India will wait until match day to determine whether Arshdeep has recovered sufficiently to take the field against West Indies.
How Did Arshdeep Singh Suffer the Injury?
Arshdeep endured a difficult outing in the fourth T20I, conceding 52 runs in his four overs. The pacer was later struck on the shoulder by a delivery from West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph while batting at No. 10.
The blow forced Arshdeep to retire hurt, leaving his availability for the series finale uncertain. India went on to lose the match by 24 runs, allowing West Indies to level the five-match series at 2-2.
The incident also drew criticism from some Indian fans and former cricketers, with former wicketkeeper-batter Shreevats Goswami questioning whether the delivery had been intentional.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar Added to India’s Squad
With Arshdeep’s participation still uncertain, the BCCI has added Bhuvneshwar Kumar to India’s squad for the series decider. The experienced pacer provides another option for the team’s bowling attack ahead of the crucial encounter.
Arshdeep is also scheduled to travel to New Zealand later this month for India’s upcoming T20I series. His recovery will therefore be important as the team prepares for its assignments beyond the Bengaluru match.
India and West Indies head into the final T20I level at 2-2, with Saturday’s match set to decide the series.
