Rain is a real threat to the IND vs WI 5th T20I at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, October 17, 2026. The forecast shows scattered thunderstorms with a 75% chance of precipitation and humidity around 80%, and the India Meteorological Department has issued a thunderstorm and lightning warning for the city. The match is scheduled to start at 7:00 PM IST.
The stakes could not be higher. The five-match series is level at 2-2 after West Indies won the 4th T20I in Hyderabad by 24 runs, with Shai Hope smashing an unbeaten 102 off 50 balls and Keemo Paul taking 5 for 41. Whoever wins in Bengaluru takes the series, but the weather may have the final say.
Bengaluru Weather Forecast for IND vs WI 5th T20I
| Detail | Forecast for Saturday, October 17 |
|---|---|
| Conditions | Scattered thunderstorms |
| Chance of precipitation | 75% |
| Temperature | High of 27°C, low of 21°C |
| Temperature at match time | Around 22°C |
| Humidity | Around 80% |
| Wind | About 5 km/h |
| IMD alert | Thunderstorm and lightning warning |
Rain is expected to stay around through the afternoon and evening, which is exactly when the toss and the first innings are due. The forecast also shows thunderstorms on Friday and Sunday, so the weather is unlikely to clear up quickly.
IND vs WI 5th T20I Match Timings
| Session | Time (IST) |
|---|---|
| Toss | 6:30 PM |
| First innings | 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM |
| Innings break | 8:30 PM to 8:50 PM |
| Second innings | 8:50 PM to 10:20 PM |
If rain delays the start, these timings will move and the overs may be cut. Fans can keep track of every update on TV and online. Here is where to watch the IND vs WI 5th T20I live in India and abroad.
Will Rain Wash Out the IND vs WI 5th T20I?
A full washout is possible but not certain. Evening thunderstorms in Bengaluru often arrive in short, heavy bursts rather than all-night rain, which means a delayed start or a reduced-overs game is a more likely outcome than no play at all.
The M Chinnaswamy Stadium also has one of the best drainage systems in the world. Its SubAir system sucks water out from under the outfield, so play can often resume quite quickly once the rain stops. For a result, each team needs to bat at least five overs.
The on-field umpires and the match referee will decide when the ground is fit for play, how many overs can be bowled and the cut-off time for a result. Check the full list of umpires, match referee and commentators for the IND vs WI 5th T20I.
If the match is abandoned without a result, the series will end level at 2-2 and the trophy will be shared. Bengaluru fans have seen this before. In June 2022, the 5th T20I between India and South Africa at the same ground was washed out after just 3.3 overs, and that series was also shared 2-2.
How Will Rain and Dew Affect the Pitch?
Chinnaswamy is one of the best batting grounds in India, with short boundaries and a fast outfield. Cloud cover and moisture could give the fast bowlers some early swing, but the bigger factor is likely to be the toss. In a rain-hit game, captains usually prefer to bowl first, so they know exactly what they need to chase under the DLS method. Dew later in the evening could also make the ball wet and hard to grip for bowlers.
For a detailed look at how the surface is expected to play, read our M Chinnaswamy Stadium pitch report for the IND vs WI 5th T20I.
Team News: Bhuvneshwar Kumar Called Up as Cover
India have added Bhuvneshwar Kumar to the squad as cover for Arshdeep Singh, who took a blow to his bowling shoulder during the 4th T20I. A call on Arshdeep will be made before the match. If Bhuvneshwar plays, it will be his first international game since November 2022, and the swing-friendly, cloudy conditions could suit him well.
For the full schedule, squads and results so far, read our IND vs WI T20I series 2026 guide.
