India vs West Indies 5th T20I: Bengaluru decider todaySports

The visitors arrive with momentum after dominating the fourth T20I in Hyderabad. West Indies captain Shai Hope’s century powered the tourists to a formidable 247, before Keemo Paul’s five-wicket haul restricted India to a 24-run defeat, according to the ICC’s match report. India will be eager to respond in front of a packed Chinnaswamy crowd.

Weather could prove the biggest threat to the decider. AccuWeather forecasts an 85 per cent probability of precipitation in Bengaluru on Saturday evening, along with a 54 per cent chance of thunderstorms, raising concerns that the match could be delayed or curtailed. The India Meteorological Department has forecast generally cloudy skies with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers in Bengaluru on Saturday and issued a thunderstorm and lightning warning, with temperatures expected between 20 and 29 degrees Celsius.

India have received a boost ahead of the decider with the addition of veteran seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 36, to the squad, sparking excitement among fans hoping to see him back in national colours nearly four years after his last India appearance against New Zealand in Napier in November 2022. His inclusion does not guarantee a place in the playing XI, with reports suggesting questions remain over Arshdeep Singh’s fitness. Team management also faces selection calls around teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and spinner Kuldeep Yadav, while captain Shreyas Iyer hunts for the right balance on the traditionally high-scoring Chinnaswamy surface.

The series finale will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network television channels. Fans preferring to watch online can stream the match through the JioHotstar app and website.