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Karun Nair Back, Shardul Thakur Out; Reports Reveal India's Plan For Playing XI At The Oval

Soumyajit Dutta

Karun Nair has been recalled for India's 5th Test [Source: @cricify/X.com]Karun Nair has been recalled for India's 5th Test [Source: @cricify/X.com]

As India is all set to field their Playing XI for the Oval Test against England, a recent development has revealed the probable changes and replacements from the previous Playing XI at Manchester.

According to journalist Sandeep Dwivedi, who is directly reporting from England for The Indian Express, there have been some serious changes in the Playing XI for India for the upcoming Test.

Karun Nair Recall, Batting Overhaul And Bowling Changes

As per the report, India is set to reinforce their batting lineup by recalling Karun Nair, replacing all-rounder Shardul Thakur, who played the 4th Test. Shardul's impact in the 4th Test was negligible as he only managed to concede 55 runs without getting any wickets. With the bat, though, Thakur managed 41 runs in India's first innings.

Notably, Karun Nair's inclusion strengthens the batting on a grassy Oval pitch, but makes his return puzzling for the batting order as his return creates a selection puzzle alongside Sai Sudharsan for the No. 3 spot.

Bumrah Rested, Kamboj Out

Meanwhile, the pace attack is set to see significant rotation, with Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna coming in for Jasprit Bumrah and Anshul Kamboj, leaving Mohammed Siraj to spearhead the bowling. 

Meanwhile, the Oval is reported to have fresh layer of grass which offers minimal spin. Hence, this means wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav might again fail to make the cut in this match alongside pacer Arshdeep Singh who is yet to bowl in this tour.

Notably, wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel will make his debut, stepping in for the injured Rishabh Pant (foot fracture). Spinner Kuldeep Yadav and pacer Arshdeep Singh are likely to miss the entire tour.

Fresh Pair Of Legs Adds To India's Vantage

The team management resisted calls to play Bumrah for a fourth Test, adhering strictly to his pre-series workload plan. Coach Gautam Gambhir had previously emphasised the principle, "There will be no compromise on workload."

This paves the way for Siraj to lead the pace attack again, supported by rested and fresh Akash Deep and Krishna. Deep impressed in India's Birmingham win, claiming a match haul of ten wickets, while Krishna will have to fight 

Overall, India will field five bowlers, three specialist pacers plus all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, placing a premium on bowling consistency. Hence, let's take a look at India's probable playing XI against England for the Fifth Test.

Shubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Karun Nair, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj