India and West Indies will meet in the fifth and final T20I in Bengaluru on October 17, with the series level at 2-2. With India’s unbeaten home series record on the line, the decider promises a high-stakes contest, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return adds another talking point ahead of the match.
The fifth India vs West Indies T20I will begin at 7:00 PM IST at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Fans in India can watch the match live on Star Sports, DD Sports and JioHotstar.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar Returns as India Face a Selection Challenge
India have brought experienced fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar into the squad as cover for Arshdeep Singh, who reportedly sustained a shoulder injury during the previous match. Jasprit Bumrah has also been rested, leaving India with decisions to make about their pace attack for the series decider.
Bhuvneshwar’s ability to swing the ball could prove useful, particularly if Bengaluru’s weather provides favourable conditions for seam bowling. The 36-year-old could also be in contention for an international appearance, having last represented India in November 2022.
India’s Unbeaten Home T20I Series Record at Stake
India have enjoyed a remarkable run in bilateral T20I series on home soil. Australia were the last visiting side to defeat India in a T20I series in the country, winning 2-0 in February 2019.
Since then, India have maintained an unbeaten home series record, winning 17 series and drawing two, according to the figures cited ahead of the decider. A defeat on Saturday would therefore mark a significant change in that run.
West Indies, meanwhile, will be looking to build on their strong batting performances and secure a series victory in India.
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Shai Hope Leads West Indies’ Batting Charge
West Indies captain Shai Hope has been one of the standout performers in the series. He has scored 261 runs across four matches, including two unbeaten centuries, putting India’s bowling attack under considerable pressure.
His unbeaten 102 in Ranchi helped West Indies chase down 250, while another 102 not out in Hyderabad powered the visitors to a formidable total. Those performances have underlined the threat posed by the West Indies batting lineup heading into the final match.
India captain Shreyas Iyer has also made a significant contribution, scoring 159 runs in the series. His unbeaten 102 in the opening match in Lucknow provided a strong start, but India will need contributions from across the batting order to contain the visitors.
IND vs WI 5th T20I 2026 Weather Forecast
Weather could play an important role in Bengaluru. The India Meteorological Department forecast generally cloudy skies, with spells of rain or thundershowers possible on Saturday, October 17.
Rain interruptions could affect the match and potentially influence the outcome of the series. Both teams will be hoping for enough clear weather to complete the decider.
India vs West Indies T20I Head-to-Head Record
India lead the overall T20I head-to-head record against West Indies 22-12, with one match ending without a result, according to the figures provided ahead of the contest.
West Indies won the previous bilateral T20I series between the teams 3-2 in the Caribbean and the United States in 2023. The visitors will now be aiming to claim their first bilateral T20I series victory on Indian soil.
Where to Watch IND vs WI 5th T20I 2026 Live
The fifth T20I between India and West Indies will be played on Saturday, October 17, at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The match is scheduled to start at 7:00 PM IST.
Live streaming will be available on JioHotstar. Television viewers in India can watch the match on Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 Hindi, while DD Sports is also listed for live coverage. Viewers should check their local listings and the platforms’ latest schedules before the match.
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