Boria Majumdar in London
Has Rishabh Pant’s unavailability mired the turf for Kuldeep Yadav? There is little doubt that the batting is weakened in the absence of the mercurial Indian team vice-captain. He had looked brilliant in the series and while no one will doubt’s Dhruv Jurel’s potential, it is also true that he hasn’t batted in these conditions and hasn’t played a Test for eight months. Does that make the Indian team management err on the side of caution and play Shardul Thakur to strengthen the batting? And does that mean Kuldeep continues to sit out?
From what we understand Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep are the two certainties in the pace bowling unit. A question mark remains over Jasprit Bumrah, with his workload management continuing to be an issue. Personally I would have liked to see India’s best take the field. He has bowled in one innings in Manchester, the series is on the line and he can rest up for a month after this Test match. So if he is fit, as has been claimed by batting coach Sitanshu Kotak at the press conference, I would like to see him play. If he doesn’t, Prasidh Krishna comes into the mix.
🚨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
And given that India want to have some extra batting cushion, Shardul might hold his place. He has a good record at The Oval but will have to pull his weight as a bowler as well.
In fact, at this point two combinations look possible. One with Siraj, Akash, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul (as third seamer) and Kuldeep, while the other has no Kuldeep, and Prasidh taking the spot with Arshdeep still doubtful. If the left-arm seamer is ready and the webbing not an issue, he could be handed the debut. Shardul as third seamer can be a risk and India will want to study the weather and all things before taking the call. That’s the only way Kuldeep can make it.
Three open-ended questions — will there be a last-minute change and will Bumrah come in?
Will India take the punt and play Kuldeep assuming Jurel will do the job with the bat?
Will weather and pitch conditions let Shardul hold his place?
Plenty to happen in the next 12 hours.
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