3 changes India must make for the series decider 5th T20I vs West Indies

Pranav Ranjith of CricTracker outlines three key strategic adjustments India should make ahead of their deciding fifth T20I against the West Indies at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on October 17, 2026. With the series currently level at 2-2 following India's 24-run defeat in Hyderabad, the writer argues that tactical refinements are vital for the hosts under captain Shreyas Iyer.

Ranjith suggests recalling left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav to exploit Bengaluru's conditions after he was benched for the last two games. Additionally, the writer highlights the need for India's middle-order batters to maintain an aggressive scoring rate and advises the seam bowling unit to introduce more variations, including cutters and change-of-pace deliveries.