ENG Vs IND: India’s ‘shocking’ playing XI came out for the fifth Test match

Samira Vishwas

Tezzbuzz|31-07-2025

Main point:

Akash Chopra has not given a place in his team to Washington Sundar and Sharadul Thakur, who performed brilliantly with the bat in the last match. He said that Shardul’s contribution is now over and the team will have to choose a better option by moving forward.

Delhi: The five -match Test series between India and England has now reached its last and decisive point. The last Test match of the series will be played on the Oval ground in a few hours, where England has already announced its playing XI, while there is still suspense regarding the final XI of the Indian team.

Injuries increased the difficulties of team management

Team India has the biggest shock to fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and wicketkeeper batsman Rishabh Pant. Both the players have been out of the last Test, which has increased the challenges about the strategy of captain Shubman Gill and the coach.

Akash Chopra announces his playing XI

Former Indian opener and cricket expert Akash Chopra has announced his suggested playing XI for the Oval Test. His team includes some shocking names, which has intensified the discussion in the cricket world.

Washington surprised by excluding Sundar and Shardul Thakur

Akash Chopra has not given a place in his team to Washington Sundar and Sharadul Thakur, who performed brilliantly with the bat in the last match. He said that Shardul’s contribution is now over and the team will have to choose a better option by moving forward.

Advice to give Karun Nair a chance instead of Pant

Chopra believes that in the absence of Rishabh Pant, the team needs a batsman who can strengthen the middle order. Under this thinking, he has advocated to give Karun Nair a chance at number five.

Kuldeep Yadav should get priority

He has advised to include Chinaman spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the team in place of Shardul Thakur. Chopra said, “If you want to win the match, then you have to take 20 wickets. Only you can draw the match with batsmen, cannot win.”

Playing XI suggested by Akash Chopra for the Oval Test:

Serial number player name Role
1 Yashasvi Jaiswal Opener batsman
2 KL Rahul Opener batsman
3 Sai Sudarshan Top order batsman
4 Shubman Gill (Captain) Top order batsman / captain
5 Karun Nair Middle -order batsman
6 Dhruv Jurael (wicketkeeper) Wicketkeeper batsman
7 Ravindra jadeja All -rounder
8 Kuldeep Yadav Spin bowler
9 Mohammad Siraj Fast bowler
10 Akash Deep Fast bowler
11 Arshdeep Singh Fast bowler