ENG vs IND 2025: Team India’s Probable XI for the Oval Test – Who makes the cut and who misses out?
The Anderson Tendulkar Trophy is nearing its climax with the fifth and final Test set to commence at the iconic Oval from the 31st of July. We have had cricket being played in all 20 days across the four Test matches, and the finale is set to offer more breathtaking moments between two evenly matched Test sides.
Coming to the series, it stands at 2-1 in favor of England, and either side would want to walk away with a victory at the Oval. For India, it is to keep its unbeaten winning run against England going, and England would like to win its first series since 2018/19.
After an incredible fightback on the final two days at Manchester, India would like to think that they have momentum behind them to script a defining performance at the Oval. For that to happen, India needs to field its strongest possible XI, and here we will discuss what their probable XI will be.
No changes in the top-order
All of India’s top 3 made a fifty-plus score in the previous game. Thus, it is ideal that they don’t change the personnel, especially the No.3. While Sai Sudharsan got out for a duck in the second innings, the left-hander played a fine knock in the first and eventually was the top-scorer for India in that innings.
KL Rahul has been sensational at the top of the order this series, and while Yashasvi Jaiswal hasn’t scored a truckload of runs, he still averages more than 36 in this series.
Read More: Shubman Gill’s captaincy marred by glaring tactical errors at Old Trafford: How could he improve
Dhruv Jurel in for Rishabh Pant
Perhaps the biggest void that India will face at the Oval is in the middle order. Their mercurial keeper-batter is all set to miss the Test owing to a toe fracture he sustained at Manchester, and in all likelihood will be replaced by Dhruv Jurel.
Jurel has played four Tests, including one in Perth at BGT, and has scored 202 runs in six innings at this level. While he hasn’t played a game yet this series, the right-hander has been on the field for the large part of the last two Tests.
Play the third spinner in Kuldeep?
India is likely to bring in Kuldeep Yadav for the final Test match in place of Shardul Thakur. The English batters have historically struggled against the wrist spinners, and the chinaman bowlers will offer India great variety in the attack.
There are a few reasons why India could go in with a three-spin bowling option. First, the Oval is one of the few grounds in England that offers enough assistance to spinners, especially on Days 4 & 5.
The second is the high range of temperature prevailing in the country, currently, and more so in London. This would mean the surface dries up quickly, and there could be some purchase for spinners. Thirdly, India hasn’t used their four seamer much in this series thus far, be it Shardul Thakur or Nitish Reddy. Finally, the team needs someone to take 20 wickets in the Test match, something that has been difficult for them in this series.
Spinner’s records at the Oval
If we look at the recent trends at the Oval, the spinners have had a better record when compared to the overall statistics in terms of average. So, it won’t be a bad option for India to go in with that extra spinner.
Read More: Why India need to worry about strengthening their bowling attack to take 20 wickets
Jasprit Bumrah to miss the last Test, Akashdeep comes back
Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of series decider as per media reports. He looked off-color at Manchester and barely touched the high speeds that we are accustomed to him doing (only 1% of his deliveries were over 140 KPH). Adding to the woes, he twisted his ankle, which dented his performance further.
With India’s premier pacer not featuring in the XI, it will be either a comeback for Prasidh Krishna or debut could be on the horizon for Arsdheep Singh, if fit.
India’s potential XI for the Oval Test: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (Cap), Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash deep, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj.
Read More: How India salvaged a draw at Old Trafford
