The fifth and final T20 International between India and the West Indies was abandoned due to rain, leaving the five-match series tied 2-2. West Indies captain Shai Hope won the toss and elected to bowl first, expressing confidence in his team’s ability to chase a target set by India despite the threat of further rain.
Hope said the pitch looked good for batting and added that his team was prepared to adapt to a shortened contest. He emphasised the importance of executing their plans with the ball to give themselves the best possible chance of victory.
The West Indies skipper also backed his team’s batting depth to handle a reduced-overs match, confirming that they would field the same playing XI.
Meanwhile, India captain Shreyas Iyer said he would also have opted to field first had he won the toss. Iyer admitted that he had not expected the match to go ahead given the weather conditions but praised the ground’s drainage system and said the pitch appeared to be in good condition.
Discussing India’s approach to the series decider, Iyer stressed the need for an aggressive mindset and urged his players not to be intimidated by the pressure or the West Indies’ strong performances throughout the series. He also announced two changes to India’s playing XI, with Shivam Dube and Bhuvneshwar Kumar included in the side. However, persistent rain prevented the deciding match from taking place, bringing the series to an end at 2-2, with neither side able to secure the overall victory.