By Rohit - Jul 29, 2025 06:17 PM
India heads into the fifth and final Test at The Oval with their backs against the wall. Down 2-1 in the series and desperate to avoid a third consecutive Test series defeat, new head coach Gautam Gambhir has tough calls to make — particularly around team composition, bowling balance, and managing Jasprit Bumrah’s workload.
One thing is certain: the Manchester Test exposed India's bowling frailties. England racked up a mammoth 669 in their first innings, and India's pacers, including Bumrah, failed to pose any real threat. Rookie Anshul Kamboj, playing his debut Test, looked clearly out of depth with unthreatening medium pace and ended with forgettable figures of 1/89 in 18 overs. His exclusion from the Oval XI seems inevitable.
With Akash Deep declared fit after missing the fourth Test due to injury, he is the most likely replacement for Kamboj. However, the bigger question is whether Bumrah should play. Pre-series workload management plans suggested limiting Bumrah to just three Tests. If he's rested, Akash Deep could step in as the new-ball partner to Mohammed Siraj.
Former cricketers and fans alike are urging caution, fearing another injury setback for India’s pace spearhead. The team must weigh the urgency of a must-win Test against the risk of losing Bumrah long-term.
India's most debated omission this series has been Kuldeep Yadav. Despite being the world’s leading spinner in Test cricket this year, Kuldeep has yet to play a match in the England series, left out in the name of "team balance."
Bowling coach Morne Morkel hinted at the team's desire to bring Kuldeep in, saying: “We are trying to find a way for him, but we need consistent runs from our top six to afford that luxury.”
However, with the Oval surface traditionally aiding spinners as the match progresses, and with India needing to force a result, Kuldeep’s left-arm wrist spin and bounce could be vital.
The proposed combination is bold: three spinners (Jadeja, Sundar, Kuldeep) and three pacers (Siraj, Shardul, Bumrah/Akash). This setup gives India attacking options in all conditions while preserving some batting depth, thanks to Sundar, Jadeja, and Shardul's contributions with the bat.
Despite his limited overs, Shardul Thakur remains critical for his lower-order batting. Dropping him would severely weaken India’s tail — a risk Gambhir is unlikely to take.
Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the Oval Test due to a fractured metatarsal. Youngster Dhruv Jurel will take over wicketkeeping duties, providing stability and sharp glovework behind the stumps.
With the series on the line and pressure mounting, Gambhir and his team must take calculated risks. Including Kuldeep Yadav and going with a spin-heavy attack may be India's best hope to level the series. Whether Bumrah plays or not could decide how aggressive India can be. One thing is clear — India cannot afford another conservative approach at The Oval.
Also Read: Should India Play Jasprit Bumrah in 5th Test vs England? Possible Replacement
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