The series-deciding fifth T20I between India and West Indies at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru has hit an early snag, with the toss delayed due to persistent rain.
With the five-match series locked at 2-2, the weather is threatening to steal the spotlight in what was shaping up as a high-stakes finale.
Scheduled to start at 7 PM, the match saw covers rolled out and warm-ups put on hold as drizzle intensified into heavier rain. BCCI’s official update stated that the toss would remain delayed “until the rain stops,” with teams staying in the dressing rooms while a partially filled stadium was kept entertained by the DJ.
The ground’s strong drainage system offers some hope, but forecasts had already flagged a high chance of showers around the scheduled start, raising the possibility of a shortened contest or full abandonment.
Under ICC regulations for T20Is, a minimum of five overs per side is required for a result. If play cannot begin in time to meet the cutoff (roughly 10:16 PM local time from the original schedule), the match will be abandoned, and the series shared.
West Indies, buoyed by a strong showing in the fourth T20I where they posted a massive total and won by 24 runs, will be desperate for a result that could give them a rare series win in India.
India, who have called up experienced pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar as cover for Arshdeep Singh, will be equally keen to clinch the trophy on home soil.
The Chinnaswamy has a reputation for high-scoring games and dramatic finishes, but rain has played a disruptive role here before.
Fans and both camps will now watch the skies closely, hoping the covers can come off soon enough for at least a reduced-overs thriller. Stay tuned for further updates as conditions evolve in Bengaluru.
