.png)
🏁 Series at a Crucial Crossroads
The much-anticipated 5th Test between India and England at Kennington Oval has kicked off with dramatic changes to both playing XIs. With England leading the series 2–1, this match is India’s final shot at leveling the contest.
For England, a win or draw here means a series victory. For India, nothing less than a win will do.
🚑 Rishabh Pant Out with Injury
One of the biggest blows for India is the absence of Rishabh Pant, who sustained a foot fracture during the 4th Test. The injury, confirmed by the BCCI, has ruled him out for at least six weeks — meaning he will also miss the 2025 Asia Cup.
Pant has been replaced in the squad by Narayan Jagadeesan, though Dhruv Jurel takes up the wicket-keeping duties in the starting XI. This is Jurel’s first appearance as the lead keeper in a Test for India.
🛑 Bumrah Rested as Planned
India is also without pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, but unlike Pant, his absence is strategic. Team management had decided in advance that Bumrah would only feature in three Tests this series to manage workload.
Prasidh Krishna takes his place in the lineup for the 5th Test.
🔄 Other Key Changes
India has made two more changes:
- Shardul Thakur and Anshul Kamboj are out.
- Karun Nair returns after missing the 4th Test.
- Akash Deep, recovered from a groin injury, also rejoins the XI.
England, too, has shaken things up:
- Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, Liam Dawson, and Brydon Carse are all missing.
- Ollie Pope captains the team in Stokes’ absence and elected to bat first after winning the toss.
📝 Playing XIs for 5th Test
India:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill (Captain), KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Washington Sundar, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj
England:
Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope (Captain), Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue
🔍 What’s at Stake
For India, this is more than just a Test match. It’s a matter of pride and resilience. Can this young, reshuffled squad rise to the occasion and force a 2–2 series result? Or will England, led by a fresh captain and a rebalanced XI, close out the series at home?
All eyes now turn to Kennington Oval, where every session counts.