Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has predicted India’s line-up for the 5th Test, including Jasprit Bumrah, and backed leg-spinner Kuldeep Yadav to feature in the mix.
With just a few days to go before the final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, the series decider speculation around the team selection is heating up. Fans are eager to know whether Jasprit Bumrah will return to the XI, and if not, who might step in. Arshdeep Singh, now fit again, is in contention to make his debut at The Oval.
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Aakash Chopra Backs Bumrah for Final Test
Meanwhile, Aakash Chopra has strongly supported Bumrah’s inclusion for the fifth Test and expects changes in India’s bowling line-up.
“I feel there will be changes. Bumrah has decided that he will play three (Tests) only. Should he play just three? I feel he can play a fourth. Why can’t he play his fourth Test and the fifth Test of the series? I feel he should play,” said Chopra on his YouTube channel.
He raised concerns about the rest of the pace attack, especially regarding Mohammed Siraj, who has bowled the most overs in the series.
“I don’t know about Siraj’s fitness, although Gauti came and said that everyone is available. However, is he available? Is he 100 per cent? Akash Deep and Arshdeep — I don’t know,” Chopra added.
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Chopra Endorses Kuldeep Yadav for Spin-Friendly Oval Test
Chopra also backed Kuldeep Yadav, believing the surface at The Oval would suit his style. He suggested Kuldeep’s inclusion could be a surprise factor that unsettles the opposition. According to him, Kuldeep could start alongside Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar in a three-pronged spin attack.
“I feel Kuldeep Yadav should be played at The Oval because this is a surface that eventually helps spin. He is crafty and skillful, and you need such bowlers in the game. The Bazball-playing English team might try to slog him a lot,” he said.
“It might backfire if they can’t read him from the hand. I will put the stamp on Kuldeep Yadav. I have no idea about the rest of the bowling combination for the fifth Test. I see Jaddu and Sundar playing. So you’ve got these three spinners — but you still need fast bowlers,” Chopra added.
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England currently leads the series 2-1. India is expected to tweak their bowling attack, as Chopra suggested, while England, too, may rotate their bowlers to manage workloads. Stay tuned for more updates on the England vs India 5th Test.
