WATCH: Parthiv Patel names India’s x-factor makes bold prediction ahead 5th ENG vs IND 2025 Test

Former wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel has weighed in ahead of the crucial fifth and final Test between India and England, starting Thursday, July 31, at The Oval. With England currently leading the series 2-1, the contest carries massive stakes for both sides. Speaking on Star Sports, Parthiv predicted the outcome of the match and highlighted key players who could turn the game around in India’s favor.

The former cricketer identified either Washington Sundar or Ravindra Jadeja as India’s X-factor at The Oval, citing the favorable conditions for spinners. “I think either of Washington Sundar or Ravindra Jadeja will be the X-factor. There is that drift and bounce at The Oval; if a spinner does well, you can aim for a win,” he said. Both all-rounders scored centuries in the fourth Test and were instrumental in helping India secure a dramatic draw. He also spotlighted captain Shubman Gill, saying, “I think the player to watch out for is Shubman Gill because of the way he is performing, and especially in the fourth Test, how he applied himself.”

Parthiv also expressed his desire to see Jasprit Bumrah return for the final Test. There were initial plans for Bumrah to play only three of the five games, but with the series on the line, Parthiv hopes the ace pacer will be available. “Unfortunately, with Jasprit Bumrah’s body, we have to see how his recovery happens or does not happen. There are many questions. But if the situation is like this, I would definitely want him to play. Hopefully, the support staff works hard on him and makes him fit.”

Kuldeep Yadav and Dhruv Jurel in Focus

Parthiv further reflected on India’s bowling combination and made a strong case for including wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI. “I think the bowling can be better. I am also saying this from the second Test, given the conditions here, India has to somehow find that way of bringing Kuldeep Yadav in. Your batting is in form. If you have to win, you need 20 wickets,” he said. With uncertainty surrounding Bumrah’s fitness, he believes India needs an attacking spinner. “Washington and Jadeja can contain, but you need an attacking spinner. You have that wrist-spinner. They should think of Kuldeep in place of Shardul,” he added.

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With Rishabh Pant ruled out of the fifth Test due to a fractured toe, Parthiv also backed Dhruv Jurel to play. “You will find a batting-friendly pitch at The Oval. You can expect more bounce and can see more runs being scored. I don’t think India will look at KL as a keeper and do anything different there. I think Dhruv Jurel will get an opportunity. It remains to be seen which position he plays. But he will definitely play,” he said. England, on the other hand, will look to clinch the series 3-1, while India will aim to ride the momentum from the drawn Test in Manchester to level the series 2-2.