India is already 1-2 down in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, and they are out of the running to win the series with only one game remaining. At best, India may end the tour on even footing with England. India are plagued by injuries ahead of the all-important fifth and final Test, which begins on July 31 in London, and former cricketer Wasim Jaffer has put out his ideal playing XI for that game.
For a change, Jaffer has urged the Indian squad to replace their fourth pacer/all-rounder with Kuldeep Yadav, a specialist spinner.
Notably, Yadav has not appeared in a single game on the trip thus far, and many fans and pundits have advocated for his inclusion in the Playing XI, given his current form. Jaffer has made no substantial changes to the batting lineup, with the exception of the injured Rishabh Pant, who has been replaced by Dhruv Jurel.
India’s batting not a concern for Wasim Jaffer
The Indian openers have been doing their job well, especially KL Rahul, who is currently the second-highest run-getter in the series, with a couple of hundreds and as many half-centuries in the four games he has played so far. On No. 3, Jaffer has retained his faith in Sai Sudharsan, India’s highest run-scorer in the first innings in Manchester. Following him will be India skipper Shubman Gill, who has already hit a record-breaking 722 runs.
Coming to the all-rounder, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar – the heroes from the Old Trafford encounter will not only look to provide their mettle with the bat, but also form the spin trio alongside Kuldeep. The pace battery is the most exciting part since India will be without the services of Jasprit Bumrah. In the ace pacer’s absence, the former cricketer has picked Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh to carry the load.
My India XI for Oval Test:
1. Yashasvi
2. KL
3. Sai
4. Shubman (c)
5. Jurel (wk)
6. Jadeja
7. Washington
8. Kuldeep
9. Siraj
10. Arshdeep
11. Akashdeep
What’s yours? #ENGvIND
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) July 30, 2025
Wasim Jaffer’s India Playing XI for 5th Test: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh
India
