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IND vs WI Ball by Ball Commentary

118/5(7.4 ov)
Yet to bat
Match Abandoned

Commentary

5:27 PM IST The stacked international calendar - Right then, 2026 has been a year filled with cricketing action, and with about 2 and a half months left in the year, there's plenty more to come. India now head to New Zealand for a long tour which includes 5 T20Is, 5 ODIs and 2 Test matches, beginning 22nd October. West Indies, on the other hand, travel to India's neighbour, Bangladesh, for a two-match Test series starting on the 28th of October. You can switch tabs and check all fixtures and match timings for those matches. Until next time, take care and goodbye!
5:29 PM IST End of a memorable series - There's just one more thing left to do, and the two captains head to the podium to lift the trophy, which will be shared between India and West Indies. West Indies' tour of India has been an eye-catching one, and we have seen plenty of runs throughout the ODI and T20I series. India sealed a 2-0 lead in the ODI series, before Shai Hope's antics made sure that his side didn't go empty-handed. Then, the two teams went back and forth in the T20I series as the visitors came from behind twice to level the series, with the last game unfortunately ending in a No Result.
5:21 PM IST The Indian skipper - Shreyas Iyer starts by saying that he feels that the series could have gone a different way if they had bowled well in a couple of other matches, but he also has to give credit to the opposition, especially Shai Hope for the way he batted. Reflecting on the series, Iyer says that the ability to bounce back after a loss was an important thing that they will take with them, and he feels that the series in New Zealand will be a challenging one. On his conversations with the youngsters, especially someone like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Iyer says that he just tells him to be consistent and stay patient because the two batters batting ahead of him are the ones who have just won the World Cup for India earlier this year, and his time will come. Iyer ends by mentioning that they are used to the travel and short breaks between series, which is a bit tough, but they do adjust well and hopes that they can continue to do that and stay consistent.
5:19 PM IST Player of the Series - Shai Hope has been handed the accolade for scoring 261 runs at an average of 130.5, including a couple of centuries. He says the progress the team has made as a unit is commendable and that success isn't always measured by series wins. Mentions that he is particularly pleased with the bowling effort, highlighting Shamar Springer's crucial role at the death, Keemo Paul's contributions and Roston Chase's consistent performances. He adds that the way everyone chipped in made it a satisfying series from a bowling perspective. On his own performances, Hope stresses the importance of self-belief. He says his process remains unchanged, focusing on staying neutral and backing his abilities whenever he steps onto the field.
5:12 PM IST Presentation time...
5:10 PM IST A series for the batters - We have had 4 matches and change completed in this series, and we have seen over 100 sixes. That is easily over 20 big hits per game, which is astonishing, no matter the conditions or the size of the grounds. West Indies did outhit India in terms of the big hits, and two men in particular made a big impact - Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford. Hope has been the cornerstone, scoring as many as 4 tons across 7 innings in ODIs and T20Is on this tour. Rutherford has also become somewhat of a consistent figure in that middle order. India also had their big hitters, but unlike West Indies, the hosts had a few more people chip in. Skipper Shreyas Iyer started things off with a match-winning ton, Abhishek Sharma played a couple of stellar knocks, as did Sanju Samson, and Ishan Kishan continued to contribute, strengthening his place as the number 1 T20I batter this year. The bowlers had to bear the brunt, but even then, there were a few standouts. Roston Chase was prolific for West Indies and proved to be useful even when the others were being hammered around the ground. Keemo Paul and Shamar Springer made a name for themselves late in the series as well. For India, Mayank Yadav showed wicket-taking ability when given the new ball, and Prince Yadav showed a bit more consistency, but it was Naman Dhir who proved to be very effective in his debut series with his all-round ability.
5:08 PM IST Plenty of wait, but the entertainment did come - The long wait for an international match in Bengaluru to have a result continues since October 2024, and the crowd will have to wait for at least a couple of months more before they have another shot at hosting an international contest. Coming to the 7.4 overs of play that we did have today, they were action-packed to say the least. 118 runs and 5 wickets, an absolute delight for the crowd, especially given the fact that those big hits came from the home team. Still, it will be a touch disappointing for the crowd, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar's comeback to the Indian team will have to wait a bit longer. He would have loved to make his comeback at the ground where he's garnered so much love in recent years via the IPL, but he'll probably get his chance soon in New Zealand.
5:02 PM IST Feels like a fair result - With the way this series has played out, it would have been a tough pill to swallow for the team losing tonight. Whether just or unjust, 2-2 seems a fair result in the end, and while West Indies' long wait to win an away series in India now extends to over 24 years, this is as close as they have come in those years. For India, their run of winning bilateral T20I home series is yet to be broken, but they are unable to extend it to 12 straight series wins. All in all, a series to remember, and one that will be mainly remembered as Shai Hope's series.
4:54 PM IST 4.45 pm GMT (10.15 pm IST) - Things are looking bleak at the moment, with 4.51 pm GMT (10.21 pm IST) being the cut-off time for the West Indies to begin their innings. And there it is, the handshakes between the two camps as the inevitable is confirmed. The game ends in a NO RESULT, and the series is shared. Spare a thought for the crowd, though. International cricket returned to Chinnaswamy after two years, but the fans got to witness just 46 balls of action. There was plenty of entertainment, but sadly, not enough cricket. A disappointing end to what promised to be a good night of cricket.
4:56 PM IST 4.38 pm GMT (10.38 pm IST) - Right, the official word is in. India’s innings is over, and if and when the rain clears, West Indies will come out to bat. As per our calculations, if this is reduced to a 5-over contest, Windies will need 84 runs to win or 99 if they get 6 overs.
4:38 PM IST 4.34 pm GMT (10.34 pm IST) - Unfortunately, the drizzle has picked up, and the ground staff rush in with the covers. It looks like steady rain at the moment, but let’s hope it passes soon, and we can get back to the action without too much delay. 8 balls remain in India’s innings, but this could well be the end of the innings given the rain. We will have to wait for official confirmation, though.
4:34 PM IST Game stopped due to : Rain Stoppage
End of over 7.410 runs
IND: 118/5CRR: 15.39
Ball
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Shamar Springer:1.4-0-17-2
W
7.4

Shamar Springer to Tilak Varma, no run

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OUT! CHOPS IT BACK ON! Shamar Springer gets his second wicket of the game. Springer goes for the wide yorker, bowling it seam-up, and he gets it pretty much spot-on. Tilak Varma has to reach for it as he tries to smash it through cover, but gets a big inside edge and the ball gets dragged back onto the stumps. A bit unfortunate for Varma, and India are now 118/5.

2
7.3

Shamar Springer to Tilak Varma, 2 runs

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Superb stop in the deep by Keemo Paul. A low full toss, on middle, Varma gets low and powers it across, well to the right of deep mid-wicket. The ball hurries across the turf, but Paul puts the dive in and saves a couple of runs for his side.

WD
7.3

Shamar Springer to Tilak Varma, 1 run

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WIDE! Attempted slower ball, full and wide, but this one lands a mile beyond the tramline outside off.

1
7.2

Shamar Springer to Naman Dhir, 1 run

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A tight single, but the batters make it through. Even fuller and around off, drilled to the fielder at mid off for a quick single.

6
7.1

Shamar Springer to Naman Dhir, 6 runs

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SIX! Naman Dhir is on fire! This is more of a slot ball from Springer, as he pitches it full and just outside off. Dhir stands deep in the crease and then powers into the ball, hammering it over long off for another clean six.

4:32 PM IST Shamar Springer has been brought on. He bowled a superb first over, conceding just 7 runs and picking up the wicket of Sanju Samson.
End of over 720 runs
IND: 108/4CRR: 15.43
Ball
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Keemo Paul:2-0-34-2
2
6.6

Keemo Paul to Tilak Varma, 2 runs

No timing on that, but the ball falls in no man's land, and Varma even pinches the second run. Bowled back of a length over middle and leg, Varma goes to pull but skies it well in front of the incoming deep square leg fielder for a brace.

1
6.5

Keemo Paul to Naman Dhir, 1 run

Good length on the pads, clipped off the pads to deep mid-wicket for a single.

6
6.4

Keemo Paul to Naman Dhir, 6 runs

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SIX! This is sensational stuff from Naman Dhir, and the 100 is up for India in just 6.4 overs. Hard length from Paul, around the sixth stump line. Dhir extends his arms and slams it over long off for another biggie. He's on 16 off just 3 balls.

WD
6.4

Keemo Paul to Naman Dhir, 1 run

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WIDE! Back of a length, pushed wider of the off stump and angling it past the tramline.

4
6.3

Keemo Paul to Naman Dhir, 4 runs

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FOUR! A controlled hit now by Dhir, and he's off to a flier. Slower one, slightly into the pitch and outside off. Dhir lunges ahead, holds his shape and smacks it over mid off for a boundary.

6
6.2

Keemo Paul to Naman Dhir, 6 runs

SIX! Wow, what a start! Length ball, a bit fuller and slanting into the legs. Naman Dhir picks it up off the pads and flicks it with sheer timing over deep square leg for a biggie.

4:24 PM IST This might not be a bad thing for India. Naman Dhir makes his way out to bat.
W
6.1

Keemo Paul to Shreyas Iyer, no run

OUT! CAUGHT! Shreyas Iyer is finally put out of his misery. Keemo Paul hits the hard length and keeps the line in and around the off stump. Iyer lays into it and looks to club it over deep mid-wicket but gets it high off the bat and down to cow corner, straight into the clutches of Shamar Joseph, who makes no mistake. India are now 88/4.

4:26 PM IST Keemo Paul returns to the attack. 1/14 in Paul's earlier over.
End of over 615 runs
IND: 88/3CRR: 14.67
Ball
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1
5.6

Gudakesh Motie to Shreyas Iyer, 1 run

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Motie gets away with a bad ball. Another one darted onto the pads, and Iyer flicks it away, but off the inside edge and towards short fine leg for a single.

WD
5.6

Gudakesh Motie to Shreyas Iyer, 1 run

WIDE! This is pushed well wide of the off stump, beyond the tramline, and Iyer leaves it alone.

4:23 PM IST Uh, oh! It has started to drizzle, but we will carry on for now.
1
5.5

Gudakesh Motie to Tilak Varma, 1 run

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Full and at the stumps, slogged across to deep mid-wicket for a single.

3
5.4

Gudakesh Motie to Shreyas Iyer, 3 runs

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DROPPED! Sherfane Rutherford has made a complete mess of that. Motie offers a bit more flight and pulls the length back. Shreyas Iyer looks to loft it downtown but mistimes it badly. Sherfane Rutherford comes in from long off but he's come too far and ends up fumbling it onto the chest. Not just that, but a wild throw results in overthrows and the batters get three runs in total.

4
5.3

Gudakesh Motie to Shreyas Iyer, 4 runs

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FOUR! Easy pickings! Full and fast, into the pads. Shreyas Iyer gets inside the line and whips it behind square leg for another boundary.

4
5.2

Gudakesh Motie to Shreyas Iyer, 4 runs

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FOUR! This could be the release shot Iyer was looking for. Good length, on off and middle, Iyer pummels it down the ground, one bounce and into the sight screen.

WD
5.2

Gudakesh Motie to Shreyas Iyer, 1 run

WIDE! Bowled flatter and targeting the pads, but this is spilled down the leg side.

0
5.1

Gudakesh Motie to Shreyas Iyer, no run

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Oh, deary me! Shreyas Iyer had given up hope of getting back, but his opposite number has let him off the hook. Motie darts this one in, angling it in with the arm. Iyer looks to heave it away but misses, and the ball thuds into the pads before rolling into the off side. This time Iyer wants the run, but Varma sends him back, and luckily for Iyer, Hope misses the shy.

4:20 PM IST It is slightly surprising that there has been no sign of Roston Chase so far. Gudakesh Motie to continue.
End of over 57 runs
IND: 73/3CRR: 14.60
Ball
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1
4.6

Shamar Springer to Shreyas Iyer, 1 run

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Just a single, and that is a fantastic over given the state of the game. A top-notch yorker, right at the toes. Iyer jams it out through mid-wicket for a single. Varma wants to come back for the second but Iyer turns it down, and then there's a misfield as well. In the end, it's just one run.

1
4.5

Shamar Springer to Tilak Varma, 1 run

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Pitched fuller and outside off, Varma loses his shape a bit and slices it down to wide long off for a run.

WD
4.5

Shamar Springer to Tilak Varma, 1 run

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WIDE! Ooh, that's a close call. A slower bumper, dug in short and angled across off. Varma pulls out of the shot and it is called a wide for height.

1
4.4

Shamar Springer to Shreyas Iyer, 1 run

That's well bowled again, and Springer is mixing things up nicely here. He spears this one in full and at the stumps, Iyer drills it back down to long on and collects a single.

2
4.3

Shamar Springer to Shreyas Iyer, 2 runs

Springer takes pace off and just shortens the length a bit, pushing it wide of the off stump. Shreyas Iyer goes back and across, heaving it wide of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs. At the midway stage of the innings, India are 69/3.

1
4.2

Shamar Springer to Tilak Varma, 1 run

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Pushed fuller and angled across off, Tilak Varma leans on and punches it towards extra cover for a single.

4:13 PM IST Immediate impact from Shamar Springer. Shreyas Iyer is joined by his deputy, Tilak Varma.
W
4.1

Shamar Springer to Sanju Samson, no run

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OUT! KNOCKED HIM OVER! It's been that type of a contest - you either get the big hits, or you see wickets falling. Shamar Springer hits a good length right away and attacks the top of off stump. Sanju Samson hangs a bit to the leg side and looks to hit through the line and hammer it down the ground, but he goes a bit across the line and is beaten all ends up. The ball smashes into the stumps and the off pole is knocked out of the ground. India are now 66/3.

4:14 PM IST Shai Hope keeps shuffling his bowlers, as you'd expect in a shortened contest. Shamar Springer is the next one to have a go.
End of over 410 runs
IND: 66/2CRR: 16.50
Ball
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2
3.6

Gudakesh Motie to Shreyas Iyer, 2 runs

Motie gets away with it. Dishes out a full toss, on off and middle. Iyer loses his shape as he swings across the line. Shanks it off the inner half wide of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

0
3.5

Gudakesh Motie to Shreyas Iyer, no run

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Well bowled! Iyer shows his cards early as he backs away. Motie responds by firing in a full ball, wide on off but within the tramline. Shreyas lets it go but it is fair delivery.

1
3.4

Gudakesh Motie to Sanju Samson, 1 run

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Drags the length back and this is darted in, on middle. Samson drags the pull away towards deep mid-wicket for a run.

4
3.3

Gudakesh Motie to Sanju Samson, 4 runs

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FOUR! A loose delivery and it gets the treatment. Motie goes searching for the yorker, but perhaps because of the damp outfield, it does not come out right for him. Samson cashes in on the full toss as he smashes it to the left of deep cover for a boundary.

1
3.2

Gudakesh Motie to Shreyas Iyer, 1 run

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At 94.5 kph, stays short and cramps the batter for room. Iyer clears the front leg and has a swing at it. Gets it high on the bat but manages to clear Motie and pick up a single as the ball rolls to long off.

2
3.1

Gudakesh Motie to Shreyas Iyer, 2 runs

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Flat and short, on off. Iyer gets on top of the bounce and punches it wide of deep cover. The fielder gets around to his right but can't pick the ball up in one go, allowing the batters to sneak in the second run.

4:08 PM IST Time for Gudakesh Motie to have a bowl now.
End of over 318 runs
IND: 56/2CRR: 18.67
Ball
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6
2.6

Shamar Joseph to Sanju Samson, 6 runs

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SIX! Amazing shot. Joseph errs in line again as he bowls it short and wide on off and it is bowled at pace. Samson feasts on the width as he hops and flays it behind point for a maximum. Shamar Joseph got the wicket of Ishan Kishan in the over but ends up conceding 18 runs.

4
2.5

Shamar Joseph to Sanju Samson, 4 runs

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FOUR! Put away with ease. Joseph overdoes the slower one and offers width on the shorter side. Samson picks the change of pace and waits for the ball to arrive. Thumps it through extra cover, leaving the sweeper cover with no chance of cutting it off. India's 50 comes up in 2.5 overs.

4:05 PM IST The Powerplay is done, and the field can now spread, and India have racked up 46 quick runs.
1
2.4

Shamar Joseph to Shreyas Iyer, 1 run

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Hits the hard length, angled into the right-hander. Iyer presses up on his toes and nudges it square on the leg side for a run. That's the Powerplay done, with India's score reading 46/2.

4:04 PM IST Shreyas Iyer walks out to bat with one ball left in the Powerplay.
W
2.3

Shamar Joseph to Ishan Kishan, no run

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OUT! CAUGHT! Shamar Joseph nips the threat of Ishan Kishan in the bud, and he has his arms aloft in celebration. Joseph sticks to the pace off option and this is bowled on a back of a length, outside off. Kishan attempts the pull but there is a bit of extra bounce from the surface. Ishan ends up spooning it tamely towards mid on, where Rovman Powell takes a couple of steps back and pouches it safely. End of a fiery cameo by India's number 3.

2
2.2

Shamar Joseph to Ishan Kishan, 2 runs

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Pace taken off, on a good length. Kishan flashes at the ball by freeing his arms. Slices it off the outer half to the left of the man at deep backward point for a brace.

WD
2.2

Shamar Joseph to Ishan Kishan, 1 run

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Wide. Sprays a full ball down leg. Kishan swings to get it over short fine leg but is beaten for pace. This was bowled at 146.4 kph.

4
2.1

Shamar Joseph to Ishan Kishan, 4 runs

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FOUR! Incredible shot. Attacking the sticks at 141.2 kph, on a length. With the field up on the off side, Kishan makes room for himself by moving towards the leg side. He gets low to get the elevation and carves it over cover for a four.

4:00 PM IST That was a huge over. Will Keemo Paul bowl out early here? No, he will be replaced by Shamar Joseph.
End of over 224 runs
IND: 38/1CRR: 19.00
Ball
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1
1.6

Romario Shepherd to Ishan Kishan, 1 run

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Pulls the length back a bit, on middle. Kishan smears it away towards deep backward square leg for a single. 24 runs off the over. India are 38/1 with 4 balls left in the Powerplay.

4
1.5

Romario Shepherd to Ishan Kishan, 4 runs

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FOUR! Streaky, but they all count. 23 runs off the over with a ball to go. Across off, the length stays full. Kishan leaves nothing in the tank and has a big hoick across the line. Gets a thickish outside edge that flies fine of the fielder at short third.

WD
1.5

Romario Shepherd to Ishan Kishan, 1 run

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Wide! Shepherd spots Kishan backing away and he follows him with a slower one, on the fuller side. Kishan lets it be.

3:57 PM IST New ball, please! The fourth umpire has come out with that black box, which contains plenty of balls, and the on-field umpires select a new one.
6
1.4

Romario Shepherd to Ishan Kishan, 6 runs

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SIX! Onto the roof! Shepherd strays onto the pads once again, and Kishan makes him pay. On a length and Kishan gets low to swat it away with disdain towards long leg for half a dozen.

4
1.3

Romario Shepherd to Ishan Kishan, 4 runs

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FOUR! In complete control this time. This sits up to be hit for Ishan, on a short of a length. Kishan needs no second invitation as he spanks the pull through mid-wicket for a boundary.

2
1.2

Romario Shepherd to Ishan Kishan, 2 runs

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Oh, that could have gone anywhere. Wobble seam ball, on a nagging length. Kishan hangs back to deal with it but the ball rears up and darts away off the deck to catch the left-hander by surprise. It catches the shoulder of the blade and drops safely between short third and backward point before dribbling away. Kishan is not aware of where the ball is and is late to take off but manages to complete a couple.

6
1.1

Romario Shepherd to Ishan Kishan, 6 runs

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SIX! That has gone the distance.  A little too straight by Romario, on a length, swinging back in towards the pads. Kishan hangs low and plays the pick-up shot off the pads behind square leg for the 100th six of the series.

3:54 PM IST An entertaining first over. Runs, a wicket, and plenty of extras as well. Here's Romario Shepherd to start from the other end.
End of over 114 runs
IND: 14/1CRR: 14.00
Ball
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1
0.6

Keemo Paul to Ishan Kishan, 1 run

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End of an eventful over, one that had everything. Shaping back in, on a back of a length, on middle and leg. Kishan nurdles it wide of mid-wicket for a single to get off the mark.

3:53 PM IST Ishan Kishan walks out to bat at number 3.
W
0.5

Keemo Paul to Abhishek Sharma, no run

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OUT! CAUGHT! Keemo Paul answers right back, and silence descends around the Chinnaswamy. Paul drags the length back and tucks the batter up for room. Sharma tries to heave it away on the leg side but cannot free his arms in the fashion he would have liked. He connects well but hits it flat towards mid-wicket, where Shamar Joseph is almost on the edge of the ring. Joseph seems to lose the ball in the backdrop of the crowd for a moment as he moves to his right, but still manages to take the catch around the left shoulder.

6
0.4

Keemo Paul to Abhishek Sharma, 6 runs

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SIX! High and handsome. Paul pushes the length up and gets the ball to curve back in towards the batter. Sharma just holds his shape and swings it away with the swing of the ball. Parks it into the stands behind the deep mid-wicket fence.

0
0.3

Keemo Paul to Abhishek Sharma, no run

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No damage done this time! Bowled on a hard length, angled away at 133.2 kph, Sharma hangs back and has a swing across the line but the ball sails over the blade.

5WD
0.3

Keemo Paul to Abhishek Sharma, 5 runs

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FIVE WIDES! Oh, dear.  Paul drifts down leg, on the shorter side. Sharma swivels for the pull but fails to lay any bat on it. Shai Hope dives to his right and gets a glove on it but it is not enough as the ball races down to the fence. Free Hit continues.

NB
0.3

Keemo Paul to Abhishek Sharma, 1 run

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No Ball! Paul tries to push it across the left-hander and gets significant movement through the air. It drifts beyond the tramline as Sharma swings and misses. Oh, Keemo has overstepped. Free Hit coming up.

1
0.2

Keemo Paul to Sanju Samson, 1 run

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Samson and India are underway with a quick single. A bit of nip back into the right-hander, not all that short, on off and middle. Sanju stays beside the line for the cut. Ends up chopping it down beside the strip on the off side for one.

0
0.1

Keemo Paul to Sanju Samson, no run

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Goes past the bat straight away. Bowled by going slightly wide on the crease, on a good length, in the channel, moving away in the air. Samson does not move his feet at all and has a tentative prod at the ball as he gets beaten on the outside edge.

3:48 PM IST We are all set for the match to begin. The umpires are out in the middle, and the players of West Indies can be seen forming a huddle before taking to the field. There's a big roar from the crowd as the Indian opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson make their way out to the middle as well. It seems like Samson will be taking strike, and he'll be facing Keemo Paul first up, who's ready to take the new ball. Also, 4 bowlers can bowl a maximum of 2 overs each. Let's get the party started...
3:40 PM IST PITCH REPORT - Ian Bishop expects there to be some moisture in the surface after all the rain and time spent under covers. However, the pitch looks good on top. Ian believes that the pitch could be on the slower side, and there could be some lateral movement on offer for the seamers.
3:35 PM IST West Indies (Unchanged XI) - Shai Hope (C/WK), Jewel Andrew, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Keemo Paul, Roston Chase, Shamar Springer, Shamar Joseph, and Gudakesh Motie.
3:35 PM IST India (Playing XI) - Sanju Samson (WK), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (C), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube (In for Nitish Kumar Reddy), Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar (In for Mayank Yadav), Prince Yadav, and Arshdeep Singh.
3:36 PM IST The captain of India - Shreyas Iyer says he would have bowled first as well. Shares that they weren’t expecting to get a game in given the rain, and credits the excellent drainage system for the quick turnaround. He feels the pitch looks pretty good and says the team will have to be aggressive without crumbling under pressure. He acknowledges that West Indies have a wide array of shots and have been playing solid cricket to challenge India, but his side's focus remains on sticking to its strengths. Informs that they have two changes with Shivam Dube and Bhuvneshwar Kumar coming into the side.
3:40 PM IST The skipper of West Indies - Shai Hope says that they will bowl first. He goes on to add that the surface looks good, but with the rain around, expect the conditions to be a bit wet. On the shortened contest, he says that they do have the power hitters, but first up, they need to focus on their bowling. He goes on to say that this has been a good series and they want to finish on a high, and ends by informing that they are going in with an unchanged side.
3:31 PM IST TOSS - It’s finally time for the coin to go up in Bengaluru. You’d think it would be a no-brainer to bowl first given the rain. 'Heads' is the call from Shai Hope, and he gets it right. West Indies elect to BOWL first.
3:22 PM IST 3.16 pm GMT (8.46 pm IST) - Game on! The toss will take place at 3.30 pm GMT (9 pm IST), and the first ball will be bowled at 3.45 pm GMT (9.15 pm IST). It will be a 9-overs-per-side shootout, with the Powerplay lasting 2.4 overs. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has marked his run-up, so he looks set to feature in his first T20I for India since 2022. Shivam Dube has also marked his run-up, so it will be interesting to see what combination India go with, and West Indies too, for that matter.
3:15 PM IST 3.13 pm GMT (8.43 pm IST) - The Indian players are heading out for their warm-ups, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Prince Yadav and Arshdeep Singh among the first to make their way out. Bhuvneshwar gets a rousing reception from the RCB faithful, as you would expect. Arshdeep’s presence is also a sign that he could be fit to play, while Mayank Yadav might make way for Bhuvneshwar.
3:08 PM IST 3.01 pm GMT (8.31 pm IST) - Good news! The rain seems to have eased, and the ground staff are quickly getting to work. They are welcomed onto the field with a loud cheer from the crowd and waste no time in peeling off the covers. There are no visible puddles, thanks to Chinnaswamy’s excellent drainage system. The match officials have also made their way out to inspect the conditions. Let’s hope there is no more rain and we are able to get some cricket in.
2:46 PM IST 2.45 pm GMT (8.15 pm IST) - Well, there's no change in the rain situation in Bengaluru. But as the wait goes on in this game, you can switch tabs and keep an eye on the UAE Tri-Series opener between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe are 207/5 in 41 overs after having chosen to bat first. Do check back in soon as we bring you the latest updates from this clash.
2:43 PM IST More on the drainage system - The Chinnaswamy has a SubAir system installed just beneath the surface. It uses pumps and drainage pipes to draw excess water off the ground and also circulates dry air underneath to speed up drying. The system is estimated to drain up to three inches of water in 30 minutes, which is why the ground is known for some of the quickest turnarounds in the country. It also prevents puddles from forming. But for the system to work its magic, the rain will first have to stop.
2:19 PM IST 2.15 pm GMT (7.45 pm IST) - The buffer time has elapsed, and we will start to lose overs from here on. If we do get a game, it will now be a shortened one. The locals aren’t too optimistic about getting any action tonight, but the cut-off is still some way off, so we will wait and see.
2:36 PM IST A quick word with the star Indian opener - Sanju Samson says he is in a good headspace after a successful World Cup and is keen to stick to the process while keeping the outside noise at bay. On dealing with rain delays, he says having characters like Ravi Bishnoi and Arshdeep Singh around helps keep the atmosphere lively and the team in good spirits during such interruptions. With the New Zealand tour coming up and little time to prepare, Samson feels experience will come in handy and hopes to carry the momentum from this series into that assignment.
2:44 PM IST 1.58 pm GMT (7.28 pm IST) - The rain continues to fall steadily, with no sign of letting up just yet. The forecast isn’t encouraging either, with rain expected to hang around for a long haul. That said, Bengaluru’s weather can be unpredictable, so let’s hope things take a turn for the better. We still have a couple of hours to squeeze in a five-over game. For now, you can switch tabs and follow the action from the Tri-Series opener in Abu Dhabi between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, where Zimbabwe have done well to recover from a shaky start.
1:46 PM IST 1.33 pm GMT (7.03 pm IST) - Not much has changed since the last update. If anything, the rain has only picked up in intensity, and we continue to wait for a break in the weather. Coincidentally, the last time international cricket was played at the Chinnaswamy was also a rain-affected affair. The Test between India and New Zealand in 2024 lost its entire first day to the weather, and when play finally began exactly two years ago today, India were blown away for 46. It turned out to be a sign of things to come, as India suffered a shock whitewash at the hands of New Zealand.
1:32 PM IST In conversation with Ishan Kishan - Ishan starts by saying that he's somewhere in the middle when asked whether he feels the pressure of a decider or he stays calm, and reckons that a decider is a situation that they haven't been in off late and is happy to be in this situation, but the main thing is to have the right frame of mind. He further mentions that it is vital not to think about the situation much and play your natural game. On the challenge for the bowlers in this series, Kishan says that the wickets have been pretty good for batting, but there's always room for improvement, and it is a team game, so they need to be together and execute their plans. On being the number 1 ranked T20I batter, he says that he doesn't feel the pressure, as he doesn't think about it much, and keeps the stats aside, and he tries to do his best out there in the middle and enjoy the moments.
1:50 PM IST 1.15 pm GMT (6.45 pm IST) - According to the host broadcaster, we have 45 minutes of buffer time before we start losing overs. The positive is that Chinnaswamy boasts one of, if not the best, drainage systems in India, so once the rain subsides, the turnaround time should be relatively quick. The cut-off time for a five-overs-per-side contest is 4.11 pm GMT (9.41 pm IST), so there is still plenty of time to get a game in. Stick around for more news.
1:05 PM IST 1 pm GMT (6.30 pm IST) - The official word is in. The drizzle has not relented yet, and as a result, the TOSS HAS BEEN DELAYED. Sunil Gavaskar feels that the drizzle is so light that, had play already been underway, the umpires probably wouldn’t have stopped the game. Stay tuned for further updates.
12:51 PM IST What’s at stake - A win for the Windies would end India’s unbeaten run in T20I series at home, which dates back to their loss to Australia in February 2019. It would also be the Men in Maroon’s first series win against India in India in any format since 2003. The fighters are ready, but the bell will have to wait, as it is still raining. We will keep you posted.
12:47 PM IST Two ways to win - This series has been a contest of two different styles. India have outbatted West Indies when it comes to fours, 83 to 69, which is a reflection of the way they go about their business. But when it comes to sixes, West Indies lead 57 to 41, and that 16-six cushion shows how the visitors have chosen to hit their way to wins.
12:48 PM IST A full-circle moment - Arshdeep Singh is nursing a sore shoulder after taking a blow while batting in Hyderabad, and it has opened the door for Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The RCB hero, who earned his New Zealand call-up on the back of his heroics in two title-winning campaigns, has been drafted in as cover and could make his first T20I appearance since 2022 at the ground he calls home.
12:37 PM IST Hope holds the key - Shai Hope has been a beacon of consistency across the ODIs and the T20Is, with 4 tons in 7 innings, and all three of West Indies’ wins on this tour have come with a Hope hundred. In the two T20Is where he fell cheaply, scoring 12 and 5, West Indies lost, so how long he stays at the crease could decide this decider.
12:35 PM IST Hello, one and all - Welcome to the final act of what has been a thrilling series. We have witnessed two boxers trading blows, with each side landing big punches and neither able to deliver the knockout, and now we are down to the deciding bout, with the series locked at 2-2. Rain is threatening to play spoilsport, and with so much on the line, a washout would be a cruel way to settle a contest like this. After staying dry for most of the day, the clouds have built up around the Chinnaswamy, and it is raining at the moment, so the first ball may be some way off, if we get one at all.
12:30 PM IST ... MATCH DAY ...
2:54 PM IST Bengaluru braces for a series decider - Four matches, two wins apiece and everything to play for. India and West Indies head to the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru for the final T20I, with neither side able to establish a lasting advantage in a series that has showcased some exceptional batting and dramatic shifts in momentum. India will be keen to make home advantage count, but West Indies have shown they possess the firepower to challenge the hosts on their own turf. With the visitors coming off a convincing win in Hyderabad, the pressure is on India to respond, while the Caribbean side will fancy their chances of completing a memorable series triumph. The stakes could hardly be higher. India's batting firepower needs consistency - India's batting has provided plenty of reasons for optimism, but their challenge has been to translate that firepower into consistent team performances. Shreyas Iyer's unbeaten 102 off 43 balls in the opening match set the tone, while Abhishek Sharma's 69 off 30 deliveries in Indore underlined the destructive potential at their disposal. However, the hosts need more than individual brilliance to get across the line in a contest of this magnitude. The concern lies in how quickly their position can unravel when the opposition fights back. India's bowlers have struggled to contain West Indies' power hitters, with the visitors breaching the 240-run mark in Hyderabad after also pulling off a successful chase of 250 in Ranchi. Finding a way to stem the flow of runs without sacrificing their wicket-taking threat will be central to India's plans. Middle-order response and bowling execution - There is also the question of batting depth and composure. Sanju Samson's explosive 56 off 23 balls in the previous game gave India a flying start, but Keemo Paul's five-wicket haul exposed the fragility of the chase once the initial momentum faded. The hosts will need their middle order to absorb pressure and rebuild if early wickets fall, rather than relying solely on a blistering start. India's bowling combination will also come under scrutiny, particularly with Arshdeep Singh's fitness a concern after the previous match. His availability could be significant for a side that needs reliable execution at the death, but Prince Yadav has impressed with his quality, while Axar Patel remains a threat in the Powerplay. With the series on the line, India must find the right balance between attacking intent and discipline. Hope leads a formidable batting unit - West Indies have grown into the series, and their comeback has been driven by the remarkable form of captain Shai Hope. His unbeaten centuries in Ranchi and Hyderabad have given the visitors a dependable anchor around whom their aggressive batters can build. With two hundreds already in the series, Hope has become the man India must find a way to dismiss before he settles into another match-defining innings. The support around him has been just as important. Sherfane Rutherford's 84 off 37 balls in the successful chase in Ranchi demonstrated his ability to change a game in a matter of overs, while his unbeaten 49 off 26 deliveries in Hyderabad helped push West Indies to 247/3. The visitors have repeatedly shown that they can sustain their aggression deep into an innings, making them dangerous even when the opposition appears to have a foothold. Another test for the bowling attack - Their bowling has now delivered a decisive contribution as well. Paul's 5/41 in Hyderabad turned a promising Indian chase into a collapse, while Gudakesh Motie's two wickets added to the pressure. Shamar Joseph has been off-colour in this series and will want to make an impact in the final game. That performance will give the visitors confidence that they can defend a big total rather than having to rely on their batting to win every contest. The challenge now is to reproduce that intensity in Bengaluru. West Indies will want Hope to continue setting the platform, their finishers to maximise the final overs and their bowlers to attack India's middle order. Having recovered from 1-2 to level the series, they have earned the opportunity to finish the job. Runs, boundaries and pressure - The Chinnaswamy is renowned for its compact boundaries and batting-friendly conditions, making it an exciting setting for a contest between two line-ups packed with power hitters. With both sides having demonstrated the ability to score heavily throughout the series, the final match could once again hinge on how effectively the bowlers manage the middle and death overs. However, a high-scoring venue does not necessarily make the contest straightforward. The side batting first will need to maintain momentum without losing wickets in clusters, while the chasing team must ensure that an explosive start does not turn into a reckless pursuit. Changes of pace, accurate yorkers and smart use of the field could prove just as important as raw pace. The toss could also influence the contest, with captains needing to assess the surface and the possibility of dew before making their decision. After the contrasting outcomes in Indore and Hyderabad, neither side can afford to assume that batting first or chasing will automatically provide an advantage. Rain threat could play a part - Weather could be a factor in Bengaluru, with forecasts indicating the possibility of thunderstorms and rain. Cloudy skies and potential interruptions could make conditions tricky for both sides, while the ground staff may have to remain on their toes. With the series finely poised at 2-2, both teams will be hoping the weather stays clear enough for an uninterrupted contest, as even a brief spell of rain could have a significant impact on the decider. Form (Last 5 completed T20Is, recent first) - IND - LWLWW | WI - WLWLW. The final word - This series has become a contest of contrasting strengths. India have shown their ability to produce explosive batting performances, but West Indies have matched them with power, resilience and a captain in outstanding form. The hosts now need a more complete display, while the visitors will look to carry the confidence of their latest victory into the decider. One final match will settle the question of supremacy. With the series tied at 2-2 and the Chinnaswamy providing the stage, the side that handles the decisive moments better will leave Bengaluru with the trophy.
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Match Details

Venue
M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
Toss
West Indies, elected to field
Series
West Indies in India, 5 T20I Series, 2026
Series Period
06 Oct 2026 - 17 Oct 2026
Match Day
17 Oct 2026 - D/N (20 - over match)
Umpires
Nitin Menon (IND), Rohan Pandit (IND) and Jayaraman Madanagopal (IND)
Match Referee
Prakash Bhatt (IND)
Streaming Platform
JioHotstar
Broadcasting Platform
Star Sports