India will look to bounce back in the fifth and final T20I against West Indies after suffering a 24-run defeat in the fourth match in Hyderabad. With the five-match series level at 2-2, the decider at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on October 17 will determine the winner of the series.
India's bowling attack will be under scrutiny after West Indies posted 247/3 in the fourth T20I, with captain Shai Hope scoring an unbeaten century. India's batters put up a fight in the chase but eventually fell short at 223, allowing the visitors to level the series. The Indian team management will now have to assess its options and make the necessary adjustments ahead of the series finale.
Amid the discussion over India's possible playing XI, former India pacer Varun Aaron has backed the inclusion of wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav for the decisive encounter. Aaron believes Kuldeep's ability to take wickets could prove crucial at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, where bowlers can come under pressure if they focus solely on containing runs.
"Kuldeep Yadav has to play, especially at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Yuzvendra Chahal was doing commentary with us. He is the finest exponent of how to get wickets in a stadium like that. Again, a wrist-spinner. Chinnaswamy Stadium is one of those grounds where if you just go to save your skin and try to be defensive, you are going to go for plenty," Aaron said on Star Sports.
Why Kuldeep Yadav should play at Chinnaswamy Stadium
Aaron advocated for a five-bowler strategy to maximise India's chances at a venue known for high-scoring matches. He emphasised that defensive cricket at Bengaluru often backfires, and attacking intent combined with wicket-taking ability becomes essential.
"The only way you can be defensive there is to absolutely attack and try to get wickets. So I would say play Kuldeep Yadav. Take a punt with five bowlers. You can bat till seven," Aaron said.
"There is no problem. You have a couple of all-rounders there. So bat till seven, play five bowlers, and win the trophy," he added.
Kuldeep Yadav is a left-arm wrist-spinner who was included in India's squad to strengthen the spin department for the series. The spinner picked up three wickets at an economy rate of 10.75 in the first two T20Is against West Indies.
Bowling plans went wrong, says Aaron
Aaron also critiqued India's bowling execution in recent matches, particularly their tendency to go full after conceding boundaries. He highlighted that this approach had gifted West Indies easy opportunities to score sixes.
"I would say plans from the bowlers. I think the plans were off. You have got to assess the wicket. You have got to know when to bowl your variations, and you have to keep hitting the wickets. I think in the last two games, India were really good at hitting the wickets," Aaron said.
