India face multiple selection dilemmas heading into the fifth and final Test of the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England.
Despite trailing 1-2, India carry momentum after securing an improbable draw at Old Trafford, having lost two wickets for no runs and overcoming a 311-run first-innings deficit. However, injury concerns loom ahead of the final Test.
The biggest question hangs over Jasprit Bumrah, India's joint-highest wicket-taker in the series. He has already featured in three matches – the maximum workload limit set pre-series – and appeared hampered at Old Trafford, bowling slower and limping after sending down just one over with the second new ball.
Also read: Jasprit Bumrah brings up unwanted maiden Test century to underline rarity of struggle
In Bumrah’s likely absence, India’s pace reserves are also stretched. Both Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh missed the fourth Test due to fitness issues. Compounding their woes, Rishabh Pant – their first-choice keeper and the series’ third-highest run-scorer – has been ruled out with a foot fracture, leaving the tourists with yet another selection dilemma.
India aren’t the only side battling injuries, as England named their Oval Test XI without skipper Ben Stokes, who has been ruled out with a right shoulder injury.
India's team news for Oval Test, live updates
3 hours ago
Reports: Karun Nair set to return, no Kuldeep
An Indian Express report from the morning of July 31 says that India are set to make four changes, with Jasprit Bumrah, Anshul Kamboj, Shardul Thakur and Rishabh Pant going out.
Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Karun Nair and Dhruv Jurel are set to come in.
18 hours ago
Gill: Arshdeep has been asked to get ready
Gill indicated that Arshdeep Singh is in contention for a Test debut, but a final decision will be made after assessing the pitch.
"Arshdeep Singh has been asked to get ready, but we will take a call on the playing XI after looking at the pitch, by this evening."
He added: "England haven’t picked a frontline spinner we have Jadeja and Washi to do the job."
18 hours ago
Gill opens up on Bumrah's availability
During Wednesday’s pre-match press conference, when asked on Bumrah's availability, India captain Shubman Gill said: "We will take a decision tomorrow, the wicket looks very green. So let’s see."
19 hours ago
Will Kuldeep Yadav play?
While there have been calls to include Kuldeep Yadav in the XI, India face a tough selection decision. England dropping their specialist spinner for the final Test suggests the Oval pitch may favour pacers.
If so, Kuldeep – who boasts an impressive average of 22.16 in 13 Tests since his 2017 debut – could miss out again.
19 hours ago
Jurel to keep, Jagadeesan added as cover
With Rishabh Pant ruled out due to a foot fracture, Dhruv Jurel, who kept wickets in the previous two matches as a fielding substitute, automatically comes in his place in the XI.
As a precautionary measure, India have called up List-A record holder N Jagadeesan as backup wicketkeeper.
19 hours ago
Arshdeep Singh in contention for Test debut
According to a Times of India report, Arshdeep Singh, uncapped in Tests, is set to replace Anshul Kamboj, who had an underwhelming debut at Old Trafford with figures of 1-89 from 18 overs.
20 hours ago
Bumrah set to miss Oval Test?
Jasprit Bumrah is set to miss the fifth and final Test.
Despite India trailing 1-2 heading into the series finale, ESPNcricinfo reports the team has made this decision to protect his back.
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