Rishabh Pant the culprit behind Kuldeep Yadav's omission; shocking details emerge

Team India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant’s injury has raised concerns about Kuldeep Yadav’s chances of making the playing XI for the upcoming fifth and final Test match against England. Kuldeep might not be picked, as the team management could opt for all-rounder Shardul Thakur to balance the side.

Kuldeep Yadav has yet to feature in the ongoing Test series, with the team management opting for an all-rounder instead of a specialist spinner. Shardul Thakur batted at number eight in the previous match at Old Trafford in Manchester. He bowled just 11 overs and scored 41 runs in the first innings.

Kuldeep Yadav Likely to Miss Upcoming Test Due to Rishabh Pant Injury

Boria Majumdar said that Rishabh Pant’s absence complicated Kuldeep Yadav’s chances of selection. He added that including Kuldeep would weaken India’s batting. Majumdar also questioned whether India would rely on Shardul Thakur after his disappointing performance in the last Test.

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"Rishabh Pant's unavailability has once again mired the turf for Kuldeep Yadav. His inclusion would slightly weaken the batting. With Dhruv Jurel's inclusion, the batting doesn't have the same depth, and that affects Kuldeep’s chances," Boria said.

"Will India stick with Shardul Thakur, who has a strong record at The Oval? So far, he hasn’t quite delivered as the fourth bowler. 11 overs out of 157 in the last Test clearly shows the captain doesn’t have full faith in him," he added.

🚨Kuldeep or not?

Has Rishabh Pant’s injury which impacts India’s batting depth yet again mired the turf for Kuldeep Yadav? Arshdeep still not ready? Shardul holds his place?@BoriaMajumdar @ThumsUpOfficial #ShardulThakur #ArshdeepSingh #KuldeepYadav #ENGvsIND #RishabhPant pic.twitter.com/sGLl6awFnr

— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) July 30, 2025

Rishabh Pant Ruled Out of Final Test Against England at The Oval

Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the final Test against England at The Oval, starting on Thursday, July 31, due to a fractured toe. The left-handed batter scored 479 runs in four matches at an average of 68.43, including two centuries and three fifties.

Pant is the third-highest run-scorer in the series behind captain Shubman Gill (722) and opener KL Rahul (511). Dhruv Jurel, who has yet to play in this series, is expected to step in as wicketkeeper. Jurel has scored 202 runs in four Tests at an average of 40.4, with a best score of 90.

Washington Sundar impressively batted at number five in the previous Test at Manchester, scoring his first Test century to help India secure a draw. India will aim for a win at The Oval to level the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series at 2-2.

Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah Unlikely to Play Oval Test Match

Boria Majumdar said that Jasprit Bumrah is expected to miss the match at The Oval, though a final decision between the captain and coach is still pending. He also stated that Gautam Gambhir and Sitanshu Kotak have confirmed Bumrah is fit and ready to play.

"Jasprit Bumrah is unlikely to play at The Oval, but a last-minute decision between the captain and coach is expected. Will they convince Bumrah to play, or will he sit out? According to Gautam Gambhir and Sitanshu Kotak, Bumrah is fit and available," Boria continued.

India's predicted playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Akash Deep, Shardul Thakur/Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna/Jasprit Bumrah

Also read: Rishabh Pant hijacks CSK's Bharat Arun deal; MS Dhoni angered?