Table of Contents
The India vs England Test series has reached its thrilling climax, with the fifth and final match set to commence on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the iconic Kennington Oval in London. As Shubman Gill’s men aim to level the series at 2-2, the spotlight is on whether India will include wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI. Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has called Kuldeep’s inclusion a “no-brainer,” advocating for the spinner’s return to capitalize on The Oval’s spin-friendly conditions. However, with rain threatening to disrupt proceedings and a strong performance from spin-bowling all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, the team selection remains a topic of intense debate.
The Case for Kuldeep Yadav’s Inclusion
Kuldeep Yadav, despite being a proven match-winner, has remained on the sidelines throughout the series. The Oval’s pitch, known for assisting spinners in the latter stages, presents a golden opportunity for the wrist-spinner to make an impact. Sanjay Manjrekar, speaking to ESPNcricinfo, emphasized that Kuldeep’s unique skill set could have turned the tide in India’s favor in earlier matches. “There have been so many moments in this series where you would have imagined Kuldeep being part of the Indian bowling attack,” Manjrekar noted, highlighting the spinner’s ability to create game-changing moments.
Manjrekar suggested dropping all-rounder Shardul Thakur to accommodate Kuldeep, arguing that India should trust their batting lineup despite the absence of Rishabh Pant. While Jadeja and Sundar have excelled with both bat and ball—especially in the fourth Test, where they scored unbeaten centuries—Kuldeep’s attacking bowling style could complement the duo perfectly. His ability to spin the ball sharply and deceive batters with flight makes him a potent weapon, particularly on a wearing pitch.
India’s Resilient Fightback in Manchester
India’s performance in the fourth Test at Old Trafford has set the stage for a thrilling finale. Facing a daunting 311-run first-innings deficit after England amassed 669, India were on the ropes, losing both openers for zero in their second innings. However, a remarkable batting effort led by KL Rahul (90), Shubman Gill (103), Ravindra Jadeja (107*), and Washington Sundar (101*) ensured a draw, keeping the series alive at 2-1.
This resilient fightback showcased India’s depth and determination, qualities they’ll need in abundance at The Oval. The team’s ability to bat for survival under pressure has boosted their confidence, and with Gill hinting at possible changes in the lineup, including a potential debut for Arshdeep Singh, India are poised to go all out for a win.
The Oval’s Pitch and Historical Context
The Oval has traditionally been a batter-friendly venue, with an average first-innings score of 343 in Test matches. A recent County Championship match at the ground saw nearly 1,500 runs scored, underscoring its reputation as a high-scoring ground. However, as the match progresses, the pitch tends to offer assistance to spinners, making Kuldeep’s inclusion a strategic move.
India’s historical record at The Oval is mixed, with memorable victories in 1971 and 2021 but also challenging defeats. The team will draw inspiration from their 2021 triumph, where a balanced attack and disciplined batting secured a famous win. With the series on the line, India’s bowlers—potentially led by Kuldeep—will need to exploit any spin-friendly conditions to outwit England’s batters.
Weather Woes: Rain Threatens to Steal the Show
One of the biggest hurdles for both teams is the unpredictable London weather. According to AccuWeather, Thursday’s forecast predicts gloomy skies with a high chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms between 3-5 PM. The UK Met Office has issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms, with an 80% chance of rain at the scheduled start time, likely delaying the toss. Friday’s forecast isn’t much better, with persistent rain threats and gloomy conditions expected to linger through Day 3.
India, who have lost all four tosses in the series, will hope for a stroke of luck at The Oval. The weather could dictate the toss decision, with the team winning it potentially opting to bat first to make the most of the early batting-friendly conditions. A rain-affected draw would favor England, who lead 2-1, making it imperative for India to seize every opportunity to force a result.
England’s Challenges: Stokes’ Absence and Depleted Squad
England face their own set of challenges, with captain Ben Stokes ruled out due to a shoulder injury. Vice-captain Ollie Pope will lead the side, but the absence of Stokes—a talismanic all-rounder—could tilt the balance in India’s favor. England will also miss spinner Liam Dawson and pacers Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse, further weakening their bowling attack.
India’s bowlers, particularly Jasprit Bumrah, will look to exploit these absences. Bumrah, who has been a standout performer in the series, could wreak havoc on a pitch that offers early movement. If Kuldeep joins the attack, the duo could form a lethal combination, putting England’s batters under pressure from both ends.
Shubman Gill’s Leadership and Tactical Acumen
Shubman Gill has emerged as a composed leader, guiding India through challenging moments in the series. His century in Manchester was a testament to his ability to lead by example, and his hints at potential team changes suggest a proactive approach. Gill’s confirmation of Arshdeep Singh’s likely debut and his comments on Kuldeep’s possible inclusion indicate a willingness to adapt to the conditions.
Gill’s tactical acumen will be tested at The Oval, where temperament and timing will be crucial. With rain likely to interrupt play, India will need to make quick decisions on the field and capitalize on any windows of opportunity. The team’s character, as displayed in Manchester, will be their biggest asset as they aim to level the series.
Why Kuldeep Yadav Could Be the X-Factor
Kuldeep’s wrist-spin offers something different from the finger-spin of Jadeja and Sundar. His ability to turn the ball both ways and extract bounce makes him a threat, especially on a pitch that deteriorates. In previous overseas tours, Kuldeep has delivered standout performances, including a five-wicket haul in Australia in 2019. His return could provide India with the edge they need to outmaneuver England’s middle order.
Moreover, Kuldeep’s inclusion would allow India to field a varied bowling attack, with Bumrah leading the pace department, Arshdeep offering swing, and the spinners exploiting the later stages. This balance could be the key to dismantling England’s batting lineup and setting up a chaseable target.
India vs England 5th Test – Key Match Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Series | Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 |
| Match | 5th Test – India vs England |
| Venue | Kennington Oval, London |
| Date | Starts Thursday, July 31, 2025 |
| Time | 3:30 PM IST (11:00 AM local time) |
| Series Status | England leads 2-1 |
| India’s Goal | Must win to level the series 2-2 |
Weather Forecast (London – The Oval)
| Day | Conditions | Rain Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday | Overcast, thunderstorms likely (3–5 PM) | 70–80% |
| Friday | Rain and gloomy skies | 60–70% |
| Saturday | Gloomy with occasional showers | 40–50% |
| Yellow Alert | Issued for thunderstorms on Day 1 | Yes |
Team India – Selection Buzz
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Kuldeep Yadav | Yet to play in series; Sanjay Manjrekar calls his selection a “no-brainer” |
| Shardul Thakur | Likely to be dropped for Kuldeep, per experts |
| Ravindra Jadeja | Confirmed starter after heroic century in 4th Test |
| Washington Sundar | Also retained; scored unbeaten 101* in last match |
| Arshdeep Singh | Likely to make his debut |
England Team Updates
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Ben Stokes (Captain) | Ruled out due to shoulder injury |
| Ollie Pope | Will lead England in Stokes’ absence |
| Liam Dawson | Not available |
| Jofra Archer | Unavailable due to injury |
| Brydon Carse | Unavailable |
4th Test Recap – India’s Resilient Draw
| 1st Innings (India) | 358 all out |
|---|---|
| 1st Innings (England) | 669 all out – 311 run lead |
| 2nd Innings (India) | 433/4 (Match Drawn) |
| Key Partnerships | KL Rahul (90) & Shubman Gill (103), Jadeja (107*) & Sundar (101*) |
Oval Pitch & Conditions
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Pitch Nature | Batting-friendly early, spin comes into play from Day 3 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 343 |
| Recent Form | Recent County match saw ~1500 runs scored |
| Toss Impact | India lost all 4 tosses so far; delayed toss expected due to rain |
Final Thoughts: A Blockbuster Finale Awaits
The India vs England 5th Test at The Oval promises to be a blockbuster, with both teams vying for supremacy in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Kuldeep Yadav’s potential return adds an extra layer of intrigue, as India look to leverage his spin wizardry to level the series. Despite the looming threat of rain, India’s resilient batting and versatile bowling attack make them strong contenders.
As Shubman Gill’s men prepare for the series decider, the focus will be on executing their plans with precision. With the weather, pitch conditions, and team selection all playing a role, the match is set to test both teams’ resolve. For India, a victory at The Oval would be a fitting end to a hard-fought series, and Kuldeep Yadav could be the catalyst for that triumph. Let’s buckle up for what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to an unforgettable Test series.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – India vs England 5th Test at The Oval
Q1. When and where will the 5th Test between India and England take place?
The fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 between India and England will begin on Thursday, July 31, at Kennington Oval in London.
Q2. What is the current scoreline in the series?
England leads the five-match Test series 2-1. India needs a win in the final Test to level the series 2-2.
Q3. Why is there a discussion around Kuldeep Yadav’s selection?
Kuldeep Yadav has not featured in the series so far despite several spin-friendly situations. Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes it is a “no-brainer” to pick Kuldeep for the final Test, especially on a pitch that traditionally supports spin in the latter half. He suggests dropping Shardul Thakur to accommodate Kuldeep.
Q4. Who is likely to miss out if Kuldeep Yadav plays?
If Kuldeep Yadav is included in the playing XI, it is likely that Shardul Thakur will be left out. However, reports suggest the Indian team management might still go with Shardul due to team balance and coaching preferences.
Q5. What are the expected weather conditions during the Test?
The weather in London is expected to be challenging. Rain and thunderstorms are predicted on Thursday and Friday, with a yellow warning issued by the UK Met Office. There is an 80% chance of rain during the start of the match, which could delay the toss and affect play.
Q6. Who will captain England in the absence of Ben Stokes?
Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the 5th Test due to a shoulder injury. England’s vice-captain, Ollie Pope, will lead the team in his absence.
Q7. Which other England players are unavailable for the 5th Test?
Apart from Ben Stokes, England will also miss spinner Liam Dawson and fast bowlers Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse for the final Test.
Q8. What changes are expected in the Indian squad?
Arshdeep Singh is likely to make his Test debut. There’s also speculation around Kuldeep Yadav’s inclusion. Additionally, Gautam Gambhir’s involvement has led to bold moves like considering Karun Nair for the middle order.
Q9. How did India perform in the 4th Test to stay alive in the series?
India put up a resilient second-innings fightback in the 4th Test. After conceding a 311-run lead, the team batted with immense grit. Key contributions came from KL Rahul (90), Shubman Gill (103), Ravindra Jadeja (107*), and Washington Sundar (101*), ensuring the match ended in a draw.
Q10. What are the characteristics of the Oval pitch?
The Oval surface is traditionally batting-friendly for the first two days. It begins to assist spinners from Day 3 onward. The average first-innings score is around 343. A recent county game at the venue saw nearly 1500 runs scored.
Q11. Why is the toss so important in this match?
India has lost all four tosses in the series so far. With rain likely to impact early play, winning the toss and making the right decision based on weather and pitch conditions could be crucial.
Q12. What’s at stake for India in this match?
India must win the final Test to level the series and avoid a series defeat. A draw or loss would hand England a series win at home.