India's playing XI for 5th Test vs England announced; Arshdeep Singh picked

Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer has picked his playing XI for the upcoming fifth and final Test between India and England, scheduled to begin on Thursday, July 31, at the Kennington Oval in London. Notably, Jaffer has excluded pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah from his team combination for the final match.

India secured a 336-run victory in the second Test at Birmingham to level the series 1-1. However, their momentum was halted at Lord’s, where they suffered a 22-run defeat in the third Test, allowing England to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. The Shubman Gill-led side now has a chance to draw the series 2-2.

India is Facing Several Selection Challenges Before the Final Test

The visitors are facing multiple selection dilemmas ahead of the final Test. Jasprit Bumrah's availability remains uncertain, as he was expected to feature in only three matches of the series. Bumrah is the joint-highest wicket-taker with 14 wickets at an average of 26, including two five-wicket hauls.

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Rishabh Pant has been officially ruled out of the final Test after fracturing a toe during the fourth Test in Manchester. Dhruv Jurel is the likely replacement behind the stumps.

Akash Deep, who was instrumental in India’s only win of the series at Edgbaston with a 10-wicket haul, missed the previous match due to a groin injury sustained at Lord’s. His availability for the Oval Test is still in question.

Kuldeep Yadav has yet to feature in the playing XI. Meanwhile, Shardul Thakur has struggled with the ball, managing just two wickets in two matches at an average of 72, raising questions over his place in the side.

Wasim Jaffer Names His India XI for Fifth Test at The Oval

Wasim Jaffer revealed his playing XI for the upcoming Test match against England. He backed the opening combination of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who have failed to live up to expectations in the series. Jaiswal has scored 291 runs in four Tests at an average of 36.38, including one century and two fifties.

Jaffer named Sai Sudharsan at the No. 3 position. Sai returned to the playing XI in the fourth Test after missing two matches. The left-handed batter top-scored for the visitors in the first innings with 61 runs off 151 balls but was dismissed for a golden duck in the second innings.

Shubman Gill was slotted in at No. 4, while wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel was picked to bat at No. 5. The former cricketer turned commentator opted for just four specialist batters in his lineup.

My India XI for Oval Test:

1. Yashasvi
2. KL
3. Sai
4. Shubman (c)
5. Jurel (wk)
6. Jadeja
7. Washington
8. Kuldeep
9. Siraj
10. Arshdeep
11. Akashdeep

What's yours? #ENGvIND

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) July 30, 2025

Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar Picked as All-Rounders

Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar have been picked for the all-rounder roles. The duo scored centuries in the second innings to rescue the Indian team. Jaffer backed Kuldeep Yadav for the crucial No. 8 spot in the lineup.

The former player opted for a pace trio comprising Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh. Jasprit Bumrah was not considered for selection, keeping in mind workload management.

Wasim Jaffer's playing XI for the fifth Test against England:

KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Akash Deep

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