Sports

IIE DIGITAL DESK : London, July 30, 2025 — As India prepares for the decisive fifth Test against England starting July 31 at The Oval, uncertainty surrounds the availability of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, while left-arm swing bowler Arshdeep Singh is emerging as a potential selection, even in the absence of prior Test exposure. The series is poised on a knife edge, with England leading 2–1. India’s bowling plans and front-line selections remain under close scrutiny. 

Coach Gautam Gambhir has officially confirmed that no final decision has been taken on Bumrah’s inclusion, as his workload and fitness are being actively monitored. Initially earmarked to play only three matches in the series, Bumrah has already taken 14 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls, but showed signs of fatigue in Manchester prompting management to tread carefully.

Captain Shubman Gill, meanwhile, emphasized that if Bumrah is fully fit and available, his presence would be a significant boost: “If he feels like he's fully fit and available for us, I think it would be a great deal for us.” Gill also noted that India retains bowling depth, with Akash Deep and others available to step up if needed. 

Adding to the mix, Arshdeep Singh, though yet to make his Test debut, is reportedly in contention should Bumrah be rested. Having been sidelined in recent matches due to a hand injury sustained during practice, Arshdeep has since recovered and may be considered for debut at The Oval. 

Other bowling options in the mix include Akash Deep—recovering from a groin issue—and Kuldeep Yadav, both of whom may join the XI depending on pitch conditions and team balance considerations. Anshul Kamboj has been added to the squad as injury cover. 

Injury updates continue to influence team selection: wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been officially ruled out of the finale after fracturing his right foot in Manchester; Narayan Jagadeesan has been named as his replacement. Nitish Kumar Reddy also bowed out earlier in the series due to a knee injury and is not available for the rest of the tour. 

Book-ending the intensity of the series, coach Gambhir’s aside with The Oval groundsman has added another layer of drama ahead of the finale. During practice, a confrontation over use of the pitch resulted in Gambhir reportedly telling the groundsman, “You’re just a groundsman,” signaling rising tensions on and off the field. 

Former England bowler Steve Harmison voiced concerns over Bumrah’s declining pace and potential fatigue risk, suggesting India may rest him to avoid further decline in performance. Observers noted that Bumrah looked visibly slower during the fourth Test and conceded 112 runs—the highest ever in his 48-Test career. 

As the stage turns to The Oval, focus now centers on whether India will field Bumrah for a series-saving effort. Equally, if Arshdeep Singh comes in, it would be a historic Test debut under high stakes. With England leading the series and both sides managing player fatigue, strategic selection decisions could determine who lifts the Anderson‑Tendulkar Trophy. 

India still trails 2–1 in the five-match series. The final Test, scheduled from July 31 to August 4 at The Oval, will decide the outcome. Selection dynamics revolve around managing players’ fitness, introducing fresh legs like Arshdeep, and preserving Bumrah’s effectiveness amid workload concerns. The bowling combination chosen could be pivotal in leveling the series.