Rain delayed the toss in the fifth T20I between India and the West Indies at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, October 17, leaving the series decider on hold with the five-match contest level at 2-2.
Persistent showers affected preparations at the venue, with the ground staff keeping the playing surface covered as officials waited for conditions to improve. The match is the final fixture of the series, making the weather a major concern for both teams and their supporters.
Harsha Bhogle Shares Positive Update on Drainage
Cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle provided a cautiously optimistic update on the weather situation in Bengaluru. In a post on X, he described the conditions as irritating, intermittent rain but highlighted the stadium’s drainage system as a reason for hope.
Bhogle noted that approximately 35 minutes of rain-related time could be recovered without losing overs, with the cut-off for that allowance at 7:35 pm local time. He added that the ground’s drainage facilities could help play resume relatively quickly once the rain stopped.
However, the possibility of a timely start depends on the weather clearing and the ground being ready for play. Further delays could reduce the available playing time and affect the match schedule.
India and West Indies Eye Series Victory
With the series tied 2-2, both teams have everything to play for in the final T20I. India will look to finish the home series with a victory, while the West Indies will aim to secure a series win away from home.
The toss remains an important first step, as captains will need to assess the conditions and decide how best to approach the contest once play becomes possible.
What Happens Next?
Match officials will continue monitoring the weather and the condition of the playing surface before making a decision on the start time. Bengaluru’s drainage system offers some hope of a quick resumption after the rain stops, but persistent showers remain the immediate concern.
Fans will be waiting for an official update as India and the West Indies look to complete the series decider.
