Jasprit Bumrah uncertain, Kuldeep Yadav IN, Arshdeep Singh fit as India’s ‘wildcard’ strategy leaked for Oval Test

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Jasprit Bumrah doubtful for Oval Test, Arshdeep Singh likely in; Kuldeep Yadav's fate sealed

The India National Cricket Team are expected to make several changes to the playing XI, including resting Jasprit Bumrah, for the fifth and final Test match of the series against the England National Cricket Team.

The series finale of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 between India and England is all set to be played at The Oval from July 31.

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Jasprit Bumrah to be available for the fifth Test?

The pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has already exhausted the limit that he had set before entering the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, and there are doubts over his participation in the fifth Test against England.

Jasprit Bumrah had a pre-planned goal to feature only in three out of five Tests to make sure his body doesn’t break down and he stays away from injuries.

He completed his quota by playing the first Test at Headingley in Leeds, the third Test at Lord’s in London, and the fourth Test at Old Trafford in Manchester.

With the series currently in England’s favor (2-1) and a possibility of a draw on the cards, many have called for Bumrah to play the Oval Test. Reportedly, the Indian team management is already having discussions regarding Jasprit Bumrah’s participation, and the final decision will be made within the next 24 hours.

According to a report in the Times of India, “It is understood that a ‘wildcard’ approach could be followed as far as Bumrah is concerned, and the team management is likely to shore up wicket-taking options for the fixture.”

Kuldeep Yadav likely to play Oval Test

The TOI report further added that Kuldeep Yadav is likely to play his first game of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 at the Oval Test.

The 30-year-old left-arm wrist-spinner has received strong backing from cricket experts to play the Test matches in England, but the Gautam Gambhir-led team management has not shown faith in him.

Since making his Test debut in March 2017, Kuldeep Yadav has played just 13 matches, and he has been benched for four back-to-back matches on the England tour.

Also, RevSportz have reported that Kuldeep Yadav is in serious consideration to play the fifth Test at The Oval.

Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep are fully fit

Speaking at the press conference after the draw in the Manchester Test, India head coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed that all fast bowlers in the Indian camp are fit.

It was a big development because Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh were ruled out of the fourth Test due to their groin and hand injuries.

This forced the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to rope in Anshul Kamboj and hand him a Test debut cap at Old Trafford. However, the debutant failed to impress and bowled at low speeds.

In the fifth Test, if Jasprit Bumrah is unavailable, India are likely to go with Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep as frontline pacers with one among Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep Singh being the third pacer.