5th T20I: Rain Delays Toss In India-West Indies Series Decider In Bengaluru

Persistent rain delayed the toss in the fifth and final T20I between India and the West Indies at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday.

The covers remained firmly in place as the scheduled 6:30 PM toss approached. Drizzle intensified shortly afterwards, raising concerns about a possible washout. Cricket West Indies confirmed the delay in an official update.

Both teams reached the venue as scheduled but remained inside their dressing rooms without starting their warm-ups. Meanwhile, the DJ entertained spectators, who had filled around half of the stadium’s stands.

Bengaluru has experienced frequent showers over the past few days as the North-East monsoon sets in. Forecasts also indicated further rain during the evening.

However, the stadium’s SubAir drainage system offered hope of a quick resumption if the weather improved. The system helped rescue the India-New Zealand Test in October 2024 after rain threatened play.

The match also marks Bengaluru’s return to international cricket after a lengthy absence.

The venue had remained outside the international calendar following the deadly stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL title celebrations in June 2025, which claimed 11 lives.

Series Decider Raises Stakes

With the series level at 2-2, both sides have plenty at stake. India, the reigning Men’s T20 World Cup champions, will aim to avoid another bilateral series defeat against the West Indies. The Caribbean side beat India 3-2 at home in August 2023.

West Indies captain Shai Hope has led the visitors’ batting charts with 261 runs, including two centuries in victories.

India, meanwhile, have relied on contributions from several batters, although their performances have fluctuated across the first four matches.

If the weather clears, the decider could produce another high-scoring contest. For now, players, officials and spectators await a break in the rain, hoping Bengaluru can witness a fitting conclusion to the closely contested series.

Also Read: Krunal Pandya To Captain India At Hong Kong Sixes 2026 As Bhuvneshwar Kumar Withdraws