5 Indian players who deserve a spot in the 5th Test vs England

India head into the final Test at The Oval facing a 2–1 series deficit after a thrilling draw at Old Trafford. It was a Test that demanded character, and the Indian team responded with exactly that. Centuries from Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar rescued India after being reduced to 0 for 2 in the second innings and trailing by 311 runs.

But amid the fightback, one reality stood out: India’s bowling unit looked completely drained. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, both having bowled tirelessly all series, now appear in serious need of rest. With the series still up for grabs, the fifth Test presents not just an opportunity to level the score but also to inject fresh energy and test deserving names on the fringes. Here are five players who have earned a spot in India’s playing XI for the all-important clash at The Oval:

1. Arshdeep Singh 

Arshdeep Singh is yet to play a Test for India, but with the current workload management concerns around Bumrah and Siraj, this could be the perfect time. The 25-year-old left-arm seamer has built up solid red-ball credentials in the domestic circuit, having picked up 48 wickets in 13 first-class matches at an average of 23.91. His five-for (5/35) against Gujarat in the Ranji Trophy was a timely reminder of his readiness.

More importantly, Arshdeep’s natural angle and swing would add a crucial point of difference to India’s pace attack, which has been predominantly right-arm throughout the series. With overcast conditions likely at The Oval, he could exploit the early movement and trouble England’s aggressive top order.

2. Kuldeep Yadav 

Kuldeep Yadav has warmed the bench throughout the series, but if there was ever a time to unleash him, it’s now. His overall Test stats are outstanding: in just 10 matches, Kuldeep has taken 41 wickets at an average of 21.09, with best figures of 5/40. Despite not being a regular in recent years, his match-winning potential with the red ball is undeniable.

Given how the Old Trafford pitch began to turn on Day 5, The Oval is likely to offer even more assistance to spinners late in the game. Kuldeep could be the attacking spin option India needs to complement the control of Jadeja and Sundar. His inclusion would give India a proper three-pronged spin attack capable of running through England’s middle order.

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3. Dhruv Jurel 

With Rishabh Pant ruled out of the fifth Test due to a fractured toe, Dhruv Jurel will walk into the XI as the wicketkeeper-batter. And there’s no better candidate. Jurel already impressed in the home series against England earlier in the year, scoring 153 runs in 2 Tests at a superb average of 76.50, with a highest score of 90. His glove work was assured, and he showed remarkable composure under pressure.

Even during the India A vs England Lions series, Jurel struck scores of 94, 53*, and 52, a streak that underlined his readiness for the longest format. He’s calm, technically compact, and has the temperament to bat with both the top and lower order, something India will desperately need in Pant’s absence.

4. Prasidh Krishna 

Prasidh Krishna is another player who has been in the Test setup for a while but is yet to make his debut. While Anshul Kamboj looked underwhelming on debut, Prasidh could bring a different threat with his high-arm action and steep bounce. His first-class numbers are solid: 49 wickets from 12 matches at an average of 19.18.

With India looking to rest both Bumrah and Siraj, there’s a strong chance the Oval Test could mark Prasidh’s long-awaited debut. The pitch at The Oval tends to offer bounce and carry, something that could suit his style perfectly. With Arshdeep moving it, Prasidh hitting the deck, and Akash Deep offering control, India could have a balanced pace trio for the showdown.

5. Abhimanyu Easwaran 

The only uncapped player on this list with extensive India A experience, Abhimanyu Easwaran, continues to remain on the selectors’ radar. The 29-year-old opener boasts a first-class average of 46.83 across 89 matches, with 20 hundreds and a highest score of 233. Despite being part of several Test squads, he’s yet to receive his debut cap.

India’s top order looked fragile at times in the series, especially after early losses in the fourth Test. If the team chooses to rest Rohit Sharma or drop an out-of-form Patidar, Easwaran could finally get his long-overdue opportunity. He’s a compact, no-fuss batter built for the rigours of Test cricket, and this might just be his moment.

India showed great character in salvaging a draw at Old Trafford, but the fifth Test is more than just about pride. It’s about rebalancing workloads, preparing the bench for future overseas tours, and giving richly deserving players their due. Whether it’s Kuldeep’s guile, Arshdeep’s swing, Prasidh’s bounce, Jurel’s resilience, or Easwaran’s consistency, each of these names has something valuable to offer. At The Oval, where results often go down to the wire, India’s fresh faces could be the ones to script the final act of this hard-fought series.