Unlike batting and bowling, fielding is one such aspect of the game that does not get the attention it deserves. While most players manage to steal the show on the back of some exemplary batting and bowling abilities, this aspect of the game is generally overlooked. Throughout the history of the Asia Cup, we have cherished some breathtaking fielding displays that would often turn the game on its head. But at times, the pressure of the game gets so big on the players that lapses inevitably happen on the field. And when they do, it does not take too long for things to escalate as they become a prime target for the fans and media alike. 

Although some catches do not turn out to be very costly in nature, a few end up deciding the fate of the match, thus leaving the guilty party on the losing side. In this article, we bring you the four five costly fielding blunders to have ever occurred in the history of the Asia Cup, with Arshdeep Singh of India leading the list.  

See also: Five bowlers to produce best bowling figures in Asia Cup history ft Ajantha Mendis

Arshdeep Singh (Ind vs Pak, Asia Cup 2022)

This dropped catch from Arshdeep Singh will go down as the costliest drop in the record books. Not only did this drop chance leave the Indian skipper Rohit Sharma visibly distraught, but it also extinguished India's chances of advancing further in the tournament. During the Super Four match between India and Pakistan on September 4, 2022, Arshdeep dropped Asif Ali off Ravi Bishnoi's bowling in the 18th over. What was supposed to be a regulation catch at short third man turned into a horror tragedy for the Indian pacer. That miss proved pivotal, as Asif Ali went on to score 16 off 8 balls, turning the tide in Pakistan’s favor. He was entrusted with the ball in the final over and also succeeded in picking up a wicket. But he couldn't prevent Iftikhar Ali from getting off strike in the final ball of the run chase, and that is when the game was lost. Arshdeep's drop drew mixed reactions from former cricketers, with many labelling the effort as "lazy" while some also came to his defence and offered strong words of support.

Shadab Khan & Asif Ali (Pak vs Sl, Asia Cup 2022 Final)

Pakistani players are well known for committing atrocious fielding lapses during crunch moments of the game. On September 11, 2022, much to the agony of the Pakistani fans, Shadab Khan gifted an early lifeline to Sri Lanka's Bhanuka Rajapaksa by spilling a dolly of a catch. A few overs later, another catching opportunity went begging as a collision with Asif Ali near the boundary resulted in six bonus runs for Rajapaksa. These dropped chances proved fatal as Sri Lanka, who seemed to be staring down the barrel at 58-5, were able to make a timely recovery as Rajapaksa went on to score a valuable 71* to steer Sri Lanka to a competitive 170-6. As a result, the target proved beyond the reach of Pakistan as they were their innings folded for just 147, handing Sri Lanka a famous Asia Cup title victory. But had Shadab or Asif held on to the catches earlier, the end score line could have looked a lot different. 

Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli & Shreyas Iyer (Ind vs Nep, Asia Cup 2023)

The Men in Blue experienced a rare failure on the field when they took on Nepal for the first time in the history of the Asia Cup. In the early overs of the Nepalese innings, India dropped three regulation catches. Iyer, Kohli, and Kishan, who are well regarded for setting high fielding standards, were the guilty party. These unexpected blunders from some of India's best fieldsmen allowed the Nepalese openers to set a surprisingly solid foundation. Unlike the other drops, these dropped catches did not go on to hurt India as Rohit and Gill quickly raced out of the blocks to help India chase down 145 in a DLS-effected game, with all 10 wickets intact. While less dramatic, the fielding lapses were glaring in a game expected to be one-sided, and significantly boosted Nepal’s confidence early in the tournament.

Umar Akmal (Pak vs Sl, Asia Cup 2014 Final)

Thanks to their notorious fielding reputation, the presence of the Pakistani fielders in this list is omnipresent. According to some experts, Pakistan's Umar Akmal is believed to have dropped the Sri Lankan batter Lahiru Thirimanne. A pivotal moment came when Umar Akmal, Pakistan's wicketkeeper-batsman, dropped Thirimanne when he was on 36 in the 20th over. That reprieve allowed Thirimanne to go on and score a match-defining century. Sri Lanka chased down a target of 261, winning the final by five wickets with 22 balls to spare, thanks in large part to Lahiru Thirimanne’s century (101) and a strong partnership with Mahela Jayawardene (75). Additionally, this was not the only major lapse committed by a Pakistani fielder in that Final. Experts have the opinion that the fielding lapses were aplenty from Pakistan in that game, which resulted in a disappointing defeat for the Green Shirts. 

Indian bowlers are in song. Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana strike early in the morning. East Zone is in their first innings of the ongoing Duleep Trophy 2025 match against North Zone and is already down by two wickets. 

The surface at the BCCI COE Ground 1, Bengaluru, has some green on it, which provides some extra edge for the pacers with the new ball. Utilizing the conditions well, the pacers of the North Zone delivered quickly. Singh, in the fifth over of the innings, helped his team to get rid of Sharandeep Singh. During the tenth over, Rana got the second wicket in the form of Sridam Paul. 

Sharandeep, one of the openers of East Zone, departed for only 6 runs, and Paul, the number three batter, went for only 7. East Zone lost their two top-order batters in 32 runs. The early strikes from Arshdeep and Harshit are crucial for Indian cricket, as both the pacers are in the Asia Cup 2025 squad, which is scheduled to start on September 9. 

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North Zone leading the race

Batting first, North Zone registered 405 runs in their first innings. Kanhaiya Wadhawan, with a 76-run innings, emerged as the top scorer for the team. Ayush Badoni got 63 runs; he was the second-highest run getter in the first innings for North Zone. 

Rather than the batting performances, it was Manishi who was unveiled as a surprise element in the match. The lesser-known spinner from Jharkhand claimed 6 wickets in his 22.2-over spell. The pace bowling department with Mohammed Shami and Mukesh Kumar was disappointing, as Kumar went wicketless and Shami struck on only one occasion. On the other side, for the North Zone, their fast bowlers provided early wickets to keep the team in the driving seat. As of now, Easy Zone is at 32 after losing a couple of wickets. 

The preparations are underway for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. India, the defending champion, will be one of the favorites to win the title this year. BCCI has already named a full squad for the continental cricket tournament.

Arshdeep Singh is in the squad with Jasprit Bumrah and Harshit Rana to strengthen the pace of the bowling line-up. In modern-day cricket, especially in the Twenty20 format, batting skills became a necessary skill set even for tail-enders. Ahead of the tournament, Arshdeep Singh engaged himself in a batting drill. To intensify the training, he set a bar for himself.

 Singh set a scenario for himself where he had to score 15 runs in six balls against a left-arm spinner. Through Arshdeep's YouTube video, viewers can see how he smashed a six to meet the target in the last ball of the drill. We can hear Arshdeep saying that his father urged him not to step out to go big, as he has enough power to stand and deliver.

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Arshdeep determined to make mark

"Here’s a sneak peek into my training routine. Some days I’m chasing targets with the bat; other days I’m working on variations with the ball. Every session is a new chance to learn and get better," the description of the video reads. After the batting practice session, Arshdeep went back to his usual role, which is bowling.

Singh even revealed that sometimes he has been working on his batting skills along with bowling practices. The pacer, who is famously known for great control over length, can be seen aiming a solitary stump while bowling in full swing. Arshdeep was with the Indian Test squad for Anderson-Tendulkar, but he had to return home without playing a single game, as he sustained an injury to his hand. Arshdeep did not take too long to recover from the injury, and now he is all focused on making a mark in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. 

The Asia Cup 2025 is a unique challenge for Team India, captained by Suryakumar Yadav, and a familiar one at the same time. Following their victory in the T20 World Cup 2024, the Men in Blue are eager for their next significant trophy. With mounting tension and growing expectations, this tournament provides India a further opportunity to hone their array of strategies while fielding a few new combinations. In the UAE, with only three weeks to compete, there must be enough balance in the squad, batters and bowlers alike, to remain competitive.

The two venues, Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium (Abu Dhabi) and Dubai International Stadium have pushed towards batters and pacers in the last 12 months.  In 29 T20 games across three separate competitions, just 55% of wickets fell and the majority of matches resulted in high-scoring slug-fests. All the indicators suggest that bowlers will need to go hard to earn favorable outcomes and India's selection of the bowling attack will be critical. The balance between spin and pace will be critical to securing results in these run-favoured playing conditions.

See Also: India's squad selection for Asia Cup 2025 delayed in Mumbai for this reason

With T20 format tournament, this is the best chance for India to play with five bowler balanced attack. It would be best to have at least two frontline spinners in order to ensure control of the middle overs, and two all-rounders to deepen the batting order while having at least three specialist pacers in the XI allows them to adjust to different opponents in the tournament. There are a lot of ways that India could think and strategize this to ensure that the world champs are well prepared for the Asia Cup 2025 T20 tournament, which could have seven matches in three weeks!

Arshdeep Singh 

As a left-arm pacer, he has a rare ability to swing the new ball both ways, meaning he is especially dangerous against left-handers. His skills would take him into the death overs as well, and he is relentless in using a range of clever variations to deceive batters. This all-round skill gives him the ability to be effective at all stages of the T20 innings - a valuable asset to any team. 

He goes into the Asia Cup 2025 after an impressive IPL 2025 season with Punjab Kings which he distinguished himself as one of the most consistent performers. In his 17 matches, he took 21 wickets at an excellent economy of 8. He showed the ability to combine control and taking wickets. Interestingly, of the 240 wickets taken by bowlers at the Abu Dhabi and Dubai venues recently, 76 were taken by left-arm seamers. That should only help his confidence for the tournament.

Prasidh Krishna

Opting for Harshit Rana over a vastly improved T20 bowler like Prasidh Krishna could prove to be a questionable decision by the Indian team management. Krishna’s Purple Cap triumph in IPL 2025, where he picked up 25 wickets, was not a fluke. Instead, it showcased the transformation in his T20 game, where he displayed control and maturity that had previously been missing. His performances underline consistency rather than being a one-off success.

The Karnataka pacer has been remarkably disciplined with his lengths, frequently targeting the full and good-length areas across 15 matches this season. At the same time, he has cleverly used the short ball as a reliable stock option to keep batters guessing. What makes him even more effective is his sharp use of pace variations, a skill he has mastered over the past four months. This evolution has made Krishna one of the most dependable fast bowlers in India’s T20 setup.

Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya is a stands-alone player in the Indian national team when talking about match situations. His brilliance yet again shone in IPL 2025 in important moments, both bat and ball. Pandya took 14 wickets in 15 matches at 24 run average, meaning he was able to take wickets in the most important moments for his team. His dynamic game is still revolving around him being one of the best all-rounders in T20 cricket, and he continues game after game to be the most trusted.

As a bowler he understands high pressure match situations, and welcomes that responsibility of bowling in the most critical over of the match. Even when four boundaries on the trot is scored, he hurdle won't be shaken and control his mind and temperament, quickly resetting his game plan. This fearless and composed demeanor allows him to remain 'locked in' as much as he possibly can in the match scenario, and expects matters like the moment are good will, makes him an unstinting asset in India's plans ahead of important tournaments.

Varun Chakravarthy

Since his return to international cricket after a near four-year layoff, Varun's comeback has been nothing short of a fairytale, not only in terms of performance level, but also improvement in his bowling. Varun made an immediate impression by taking 14 wickets from five matches against England, followed by a further nine wickets at the Dubai International Stadium during Champions Trophy 2025. This turnaround came after having practiced his variety, something that he did not have the necessary accuracy for during the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE. Varun is very evidently a bowler grown.

Despite a mixed IPL 2025 season with the Kolkata Knight Riders, Varun was still able to be impactful, claiming 17 wickets in 13 matches at an economy rate of 7.6, demonstrating consistency throughout. Varun's ability to deliver for both franchise and country shows how much he has come along as a bowler, and he clearly looks to be, once again, a vital cog in India's bowling line-up in limited overs cricket.

Axar Patel

India's T20I vice-captain may not have the most dazzling numbers on paper but has an incredible knack of coming to the fore at important times which makes him indispensable. His ability to break partnerships and create breakthroughs, when the team needs them most, has invariably turned games in India's favor. He remains one of the most dependable options in that format owing to his knowledge and ability to remain composed under pressure. 

Asia Cup 2025 could be the perfect tournament for Axar Patel to add to his inauspicious record in that format. The pitches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been particularly fruitful for left-arm spinners; in the last 29 games, there were 48 wickets taken by left-arm spinners- 60% of all spin dismissals-. However, the vast majority of these dismissals were a result of finger spinners who predominantly rely on drift rather than turn, which is Axar's biggest strength. The tournament opens up an ideal opportunity for him to enhance his record further.

Kuldeep Yadav

The dependable left-arm wrist-spinner has been an integral cog in India's bowling unit for many years, whilst continuing to provide valuable services in the T20 arena. His power of consistency and run management has proved an incredibly dependable option for the team in match defining moments, and even though conditions change, he has transitioned his game well  and proved effective in all phases.

While IPL 2025 was considered a quiet season in a relative sense by his high standards, he has still managed to take 15 wickets in 14 matches. Most importantly, his economy rate of 7.07 remained impressive given that he is able to restrict batters whilst still providing necessary breakthroughs; therefore, if the ability to both control and take wickets is the desired skill, he is a huge asset leading into the Asia Cup 2025.

Arshdeep Singh will have to wait more to get the Test debut cap. He went to the UK as a part of Team India's Test setup but did not feature in a single match of the Anderson-Tendulkar trophy against England. Indian cricket fans perhaps missed Singh's on-field performance, but he never disappoints his Instagram followers. He has kept his followers updated through regular social media posts.

In a recent video shared on Instagram, Arshdeep Singh showed his 'art.' The video ends with a smiling Arshdeep; he is really proud of his art. But what did he create? Actually, he created a total mess.

For a glimpse, the area captured on camera looks like a battleground, but it's actually not a battleground; it is a room where someone leaves. It is not clear whose room this is, but it is clear who is behind the mess. It is none other than Arshdeep Singh, and he is really proud of what he has done. The video is shared from Arshdeep Singh's verified Instagram account with the caption, "Dil saaf hona chahiye, room nahi." His followers are well aware of his charming personality; now they get to know about his artistic persona. 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Arshdeep Singh (@_arshdeep.singh__)

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Will he play Asia Cup 2025?

During the Anderson-Tendulkar trophy, when Akash Deep and Nitish Kumar Reddy were struggling with injuries and Prasidh Krishna was out of form, there was a bright opportunity in front of Singh to claim his Test debut cap. But unfortunately, he got himself injured badly during a training session. For which, he had to remain out of the ground.

After gaining match fitness, he now has to wait more for his turn in the Whites. It'll be interesting to see if he is able to make his way into the squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, because unlike Test cricket, Arshdeep is the proven talent in limited over formats. 

India cricket team left out Kuldeep Yadav and Arshdeep Singh from their playing XI for the IND vs ENG 5th Test in London. This means the tour ends for both players, as they did not play a single match despite being part of the squad.

India made four changes to their playing XI – Dhruv Jurel, Akash Deep, Karun Nair, and Prasidh Krishna replaced Rishabh Pant, Anshul Kamboj, Shardul Thakur, and Jasprit Bumrah. Batter Karun Nair, who was dropped for the Manchester Test last week, was brought back into the team. Jasprit Bumrah was rested due to workload concerns.

Gautam Gambhir, the Head Coach of the Indian cricket team, is facing criticism from fans and former players for his choices in the Playing XI for the important 5th Test against England at The Oval.

Despite having a good record in English conditions, Kuldeep Yadav was ignored. Abhimanyu Easwaran, who has done well in domestic cricket, was also not picked. That is why Gambhir is facing criticism.

Also Read -Why are Jasprit Bumrah not playing today in ENG vs IND 5th Test at The Oval?

Kuldeep, Arshdeep Finish England Series Without Playing a Match

Kuldeep Yadav last played a Test in October 2024 during the series against New Zealand, after which he got injured. He returned to the squad in June but missed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy due to that injury. Even after coming back, the Indian team management decided not to include him in the playing XI for any of the five Tests against England. Many experts had suggested that Kuldeep should play, but captain Shubman Gill chose to go ahead with Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja as the two spin options.

Arshdeep Singh was almost set to make his Test debut in Manchester, but he suffered a hand injury while training for the 4th Test. He had to get stitches and was ruled out of the game. Anshul Kamboj was named as his replacement. Arshdeep had received his first call-up to the Test team for this tour. Before the 5th Test, captain Gill had said that Arshdeep had been told to “stay ready,” but it seems the team was not ready to give him a debut with the series still open.

Kuldeep Yadav, Abhimanyu Easwaran & Arshdeep Singh didint play a single game in this England Test series. pic.twitter.com/gDXcIuBycG

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 31, 2025

Abhimanyu Easwaran Ignored Despite Strong Record

Another name that fans missed was Abhimanyu Easwaran. The Bengal batter had a great domestic season, with scores like 127*, 191, 116, 157*, 200*, and more. In his first-class career, he has scored 7841 runs in 103 matches at an average of 48.70, with 27 centuries and 31 fifties. Despite this, he was not selected for a single game. Instead, the team backed Karun Nair and Sai Sudharsan ahead of him.

Because of these decisions, head coach Gautam Gambhir is facing backlash. Fans and former players have criticised his choices. Some netizens wrote, "Inki kismat mein hi nahi hai khelna" (It’s just not in their fate to play). Another fan wrote, “Sack Gautam Gambhir with immediate effect.” Someone else commented, “Annoying as a player to not play even one Test match after doing all the preparation. Maybe they’ll get a chance in the home series.”

India are down 1-2 in the series against England as they head into the final match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, looking to level things up. As anticipation builds for the fifth and final Test against England, captain Shubman Gill has strongly hinted that 26-year-old left-arm pacer is set to make his Test debut. The match begins this Thursday in London.

Arshdeep Singh has already made his mark in white-ball cricket, with 99 wickets in 63 T20Is and 14 wickets in 9 ODIs. However, he’s yet to feature in the longest format. That is likely to change this week, with Arshdeep expected to join the playing XI.

Arshdeep may replace Anshul Kamboj in the lineup, although the final decision is still awaited. Gill also addressed possible changes to the squad, leaving room for strategic adjustments based on pitch conditions and team needs.

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Shubman Gill Talked About Potential Changes for the Upcoming Test:

Shubman Gill suggested that Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar are likely to be the main spinners for the fifth Test, indicating that Kuldeep Yadav might miss out again. When asked about Arshdeep Singh's potential debut and England's decision to exclude Liam Dawson, Gill responded thoughtfully, hinting at strategic decisions based on team balance and pitch conditions.

In the press conference, skipper Gill said, “ Arshdeep Singh has been asked to get ready but we will take a call on the Playing XI after looking at the pitch, by this evening. England haven't gone with a frontline spinner. Jacob Bethell and Joe Root - I think they are going to have their spinning options with them. We have Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, who have such a good job with the ball and the bat. On their front, it's a no-brainer for us.”

When questioned about India opting for a long batting lineup instead of an extra specialist bowler, Shubman said, “ Washington, he is someone who has given us so much control with the bowling. His batting has been a really big plus for us. We are fortunate to have players like him in the team, who can prevent a collapse. With him we have improved that area.”

Shubman Gill Updated on Jasprit Bumrah:

Shubman Gill didn’t clearly confirm whether Jasprit Bumrah will be available or miss the fifth Test, leaving his participation uncertain for now. He further said, “ We will take a decision tomorrow, wicket looks very green. So let's see.”

He added, “ 2-2 will be very significant for this team. Every match we have played, it was difficult to decide the winner after first four days. Series has been a great learning curve. Somethings you can learn from experience, hopefully finish on a high! All the matches in this series have gone till the last session of the fifth day. I don't remember any such series.”

India's upcoming fifth and final Test against England at The Oval may mark the debut of left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh. With the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy tilted 2-1 in England's favor, the Indian team management is considering changes to the bowling attack. Jasprit Bumrah, who has been India’s pace spearhead throughout the series, might be rested to manage his workload. In such a scenario, Arshdeep's inclusion could provide the side with a fresh and strategic option in the pace department for this crucial encounter.

Arshdeep, aged 25, was initially in contention for a debut in the fourth Test in Manchester. However, a thumb injury sustained during a practice session in Beckenham dashed those hopes. He required stitches and underwent a brief rehabilitation period. Now fully fit, Arshdeep has returned to training and bowled with full intensity during an optional net session ahead of the final Test, signalling his readiness to step onto the red-ball stage.

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As per a TOI report, Arshdeep had been part of the management’s plans for the last two matches. With Bumrah’s possible exclusion and concerns over Mohammed Siraj's physical strain, Arshdeep’s inclusion could restore balance in the pace unit. His childhood coach, Jaswant Rai, has voiced his support, stating that Arshdeep is ready for the challenges of Test cricket. This opportunity could mark a pivotal moment in the young pacer’s red-ball journey.

Arshdeep Singh Trains Intensively with Bowling Coach Morne Morkel Ahead of Potential Test Debut

Arshdeep Singh, fresh off a stellar T20 World Cup campaign where he finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker with 17 wickets, played a key role in India’s title win, especially with a match-defining 19th over in the final. Despite his achievements in the shorter format, Arshdeep has always expressed a desire to represent India in Test cricket. Over the past month, he has worked intensively with bowling coach Morne Morkel to sharpen his red-ball skills, preparing himself for the longer format. His determination could finally pay off with a debut in the final Test at The Oval.

In the likely bowling combination for the Oval Test, Arshdeep may join Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep in the pace attack. The decision on Jasprit Bumrah’s inclusion will be taken closer to match day, given ongoing workload concerns. Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav is also being considered to replace Shardul Thakur, offering a wrist-spin variation. With the series standing at 2-1, India will look to level it in the final game.

India Probable playing XI

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill(c), Dhruv Jurel(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj

Arshdeep Singh can get his debut cap at The Oval. The possibilities have certainly risen after an underwhelming bowling performance from debutant Anshul Kamboj at Old Trafford and Jasprit Bumrah's workload.

The final call on Bumrah has yet to be taken by the Indian team management. It is believed that within the next 24 hours, the think tank will take a final call about his future during the 5th Test of the ongoing series against England. Only a win can save Shubman Gill and Company from losing the series despite fighting their skins out. For the must-win situation, the man in the blue brigade has been preparing for any kind of situation.

If Bumrah does not play, the team will have another plan. It is understood that the talented pacer Arshdeep Singh has been in management's equation since the 4th Test of the 5-match series. But a sudden injury during a training session makes him wait longer to play his debut match in the Whites. Arshdeep is now recovered from the hand injury, and it is reported that the bowler is now again heavily returning into the contention.

Read More: Kuldeep Yadav's Test career over? Shocking news from London

Arshdeep has the required skill set

The left-handed pacer's ability to move the ball in both ways can be very useful for the team. Throughout the series, length balls came on multiple big occasions. Arshdeep can do the same with his accuracy. Along with Bumrah, Anshul Kamboj is also doubtful for the match. In place of him, Akash Deep can make his return. In case Bumrah and Kamboj are both left out from the playing XI, then Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh can be the pace bowling combination at The Oval. 

"Playing red-ball cricket for the country is the ultimate dream of any cricketer. The same is with Arshdeep. Wo pak chuka hai (He is ripe now). He should get a chance to play with the red ball. He can bring the balance that India has been looking for for so long," Arshdeep’s childhood coach Jaswant Rai is quoted in media reports. 

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.

ALSO SEE: Why is the Asia Cup needed for Pakistan Cricket to survive ?

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.