Arshdeep Singh injured in fourth T20I, doubtful for series decider against West Indies
Pacer Arshdeep Singh was hit on the shoulder by a Shamar Joseph bouncer in the fourth T20I and may miss the final match, with Kuldeep Yadav a possible replacement.
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The final T20I of the series against West Indies is a must-win for India, and the team's worry has grown ahead of it. The reason is an injury to fast bowler Arshdeep Singh, sustained during the fourth T20I.
The fourth T20I between India and West Indies was played on October 14 at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad. West Indies beat India by 24 runs and levelled the series 2-2. The fifth and final match will now decide who wins the series.
Late in the innings, India needed 36 runs off 9 balls when Arshdeep came in to bat. They needed 35 runs from the last over. At that point Shamar Joseph began bowling bouncers. One of them struck Arshdeep on the shoulder, making it difficult for him to bat. Arshdeep appeared to be in considerable pain. With defeat certain, captain Shreyas Iyer had to declare the innings and India's innings ended there.
Since that day, the Indian team has given no update on Arshdeep's fitness. According to information available, he is unlikely to play the next match. His medical examination is under way. After that it will become clear whether he will be included in the series against New Zealand. He may be left out of the final T20I, and Kuldeep Yadav could get a place in the playing eleven in his stead.
The list of injured players is already long. Star fast bowler and all-rounder Hardik Pandya has not been seen on the field since IPL 2026 because of injury. Fast bowler and all-rounder Harshit Rana has also been out for a long time with injury. Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna was also injured during the ODI series and is still trying to regain fitness.
Arshdeep Singh's name has now been added to this list. In his absence, several changes could be made to India's T20 and ODI squads. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are to play the Test series, so they are reported to be not getting a chance in ODI cricket. If Arshdeep is also ruled out of the T20 series against New Zealand, a young bowler could be picked in his place.
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