India have revealed their Playing XI for the fifth and final Test against England at The Oval — and there’s a big surprise in store. Star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has been rested, a major blow to India’s hopes of leveling the five-match Test series.
The team made the announcement at the toss, where England opted to bowl first. Bumrah, who was scheduled to play only three matches in the ICC World Test Championship series, has now been officially rested after completing his workload in Manchester. With the series on the line, India has decided not to take any chances with his fitness.
New Faces Step In
Replacing Bumrah in the XI is Prasidh Krishna, while Dhruv Jurel steps in behind the stumps for Rishabh Pant, who is out with a fractured toe suffered during the fourth Test.
India also welcome back Akash Deep, who missed the previous match due to a groin injury. He replaces Anshul Kamboj in the bowling unit. In another strategic move, Karun Nair returns to the side in place of Shardul Thakur to bolster the middle-order batting.
India’s Playing XI:
KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (C), Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Washington Sundar, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.
Big Blow for England Too
It’s not just India making big calls. England confirmed their Playing XI a day before the Test, and skipper Ben Stokes has been ruled out due to a right shoulder injury.
With the series coming thick and fast, the hosts have also overhauled their bowling attack — bringing in Jamie Overton, Jacob Bethell, Josh Tongue, and Gus Atkinson. Out go Stokes, Liam Dawson, Brydon Carse, and Jofra Archer.
The Series So Far: Edge-of-the-Seat Action
England currently lead the series 2-1, but it’s been a thriller all the way. Every Test has gone down to the final day.
- England drew first blood with a stunning record chase of 373 in Leeds.
- India roared back with a massive 336-run victory at Edgbaston.
- Lord’s saw a nail-biting finish, with England squeezing past India by 22 runs.
- Old Trafford ended in a tense draw — and now, all eyes are on The Oval for the grand finale.
With both teams making bold calls and everything to play for, the fifth Test promises to be an epic showdown!
