Karun Nair finally returned to international cricket after more than eight years during the recently concluded five-match Test series in England (Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025), but it wasn't a dream run for him despite some of his impressive pictures. 

In 2016, Karun Nair scored a Test triple-century (303*), which was his only 30+ score in a Test innings, only 40+ score in international cricket before his return to international cricket in the recently concluded England tour. He got the deserved chances in the recently concluded series after his hard work in recent years, where he impressed with his consistent performances with the bat. 

Nair returned to Test cricket during the first Test of the England tour at Leeds, where he scored a duck in the first innings and scored 20 runs during India's second innings. In the next Test at Edgbaston, Nair scored 31 and 26 runs. In the Lord's Test, he scored 40 and 14. After he was dropped from the fourth Test at Old Trafford in Manchester, he returned to the Test series finale at The Oval, where he scored 57 and 17. He mostly impressed with his confident starts, but he hardly managed to capitalise on his starts. 

Reports: Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel to part ways from Rajasthan Royals

It was not like I was trying to prove anything: Karun Nair

In a recent interview, Nair pointed out his failures despite getting starts in the England tour. He told PTI, “It was not like I was trying to prove anything. Sometimes you get starts in most of the games, and then you find a way to get out. That was the case for me in England."

Nair feels very frustrated to fail to make a big count on his good starts in the recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, where the right-handed batter scored 205 runs in eight innings with an average of 25.62.

Nair added, “I was batting well throughout the series and getting into the 30s and 40s, but I just wasn’t able to push on. That was frustrating for me more than anyone else. I’ve been reflecting on why that was happening, why I kept getting out after getting set." 

By taking important suggestions, Nair is working hard to make improvements and not make the same mistakes in the upcoming matches.

Nair claimed, "The one lesson I’ve taken is to make sure I convert the starts I get. I’ve spoken to a lot of people about it and taken their suggestions. I’ll be working on it soon, so that the next time I get a start, I can convert it."

I am not thinking too far forward: Karun Nair

In October, India will host a Test series against the West Indies. Then, South Africa will travel to India for the Test and white-ball series in November. There are also two India A series against Australia A and South Africa A. Talking about his future goal, Nair isn't thinking much ahead; rather than he is much busier focusing on the present. 

Nair said, “I am not thinking too far forward. I am taking it day by day, working on my game and on the learnings from the last series. As time goes on, we will see what happens. For me, it’s about improving every single day — both in terms of skills and fitness.”

The recently concluded England tour was one of the memorable and successful tours for the Indian opener KL Rahul, where he played a dependable top-order role for his team. While the fifth Test at The Oval ended in a tense situation, Rahul showed his incredible calmness by revealing his incredible football skills on the field on the final day of the series decider. 

The fifth day of The Oval Test is unforgettable, which started with the targets of 35 runs for the hosts England and four wickets for the visitors India to claim a victory. To save the Test series, it was a must-win game for India. Indian pacers Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna both brought their desperate skills and clinched India's narrowest Test win (by runs) after winning by six runs. 

[WATCH] Relive Stuart Broad's special bowling figures of 8/15 during Ashes 2015

Watch KL Rahul's impressive football skills

During that completely tense final day of the series, where every ball was vital, and people couldn't leave their seats, Indian cricketer KL Rahul showed his football skills. After Gus Atkinson guided a delivery back of the wicket, Rahul charged on the ball while the batter had no intention to run. In that comfortable situation, Rahul picked the ball with his right foot and juggled it multiple times impressively before throwing the ball.   

Fans enjoyed it very well, while some were also shocked to see a great hidden skill from the dependable top-order Indian batter. Although Rahul has been seen to play football multiple times previously, these skills were too impressive.

KL Rahul with his football skills. 😄 pic.twitter.com/05r8VcYqXh

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) August 6, 2025

KL Rahul was a star in Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025

While the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 ended in a 2-2 series line, Indian cricketer KL Rahul finished as the third leading run-scorer. The right-handed opening batter scored 532 runs in 10 innings with an average of 53.20, including two centuries and two half-centuries. For multiple times in the series, he set a confident base in the Indian innings. He also finished the series with the most catches for India (joint second most catches in the series) with six catches. 

Visitors India dramatically leveled the five-match away Test series in England by winning the final Test of the series by just six runs at Kennington Oval (The Oval), which was also their narrowest Test winning margin (by runs). Various emotions were running through both teams' squads, while the Indian team finished the series on a high note.  

This five-match Test series, Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, is unforgettable for the cricket fans, as it is very rare to experience a complete thrilling Test series for all five matches of the series. Every match produced great examples of Test cricket, with both teams never giving up at any moment of the game.  

Before The Oval Test, the last Test of the series, hosts England were leading by 2-1. It meant that India couldn't win the series, but could draw the series by winning the last one. Meanwhile, England couldn't lose the Test series, and they could win the Test series only by avoiding a defeat in the last fixture.

When India set the 374-run fourth innings target for England at The Oval Test, the visitors were favourites. After taking the first three wickets comfortably, Joe Root and Harry Brook hammered the Indian bowlers, as the hosts were close to the fourth innings with the brilliant 195-run partnership for the fourth wicket. However, once that partnership was broken, Indian pacers soon returned on track, as their disciplined bowling performances made the English batting difficult. With consistent pressure and successful wicket-taking abilities, the visitors were always in the game.  

As the fourth day of The Oval Test unfortunately ended due to rain interruptions, the fifth day of the Test match started with England needing 35 runs and India needing four wickets to win. The hosts fought hard and bravely, with Chris Woakes coming to bat with his dislocated shoulder, but India just managed to secure the victory after bowling out the hosts for 367 runs.

[WATCH] Injured Chris Woakes comes out to bat left-handed on Day 5 of ENG vs IND 5th Test

Now, we will see which players said what at the end of the unforgettable Test series. 

The whole team deserves it: KL Rahul

KL Rahul said after the match, "It means absolutely everything. I have played cricket for a while. We won the Champions Trophy. I have seen India lifting the World Cup; nothing compares to lifting the World Cup. But so many doubts, so many questions about whether Test cricket will stay or not. I think both the teams, with the way we have played the series, I guess have answered the question. For us as a team that wasn't given a chance in the series.. for us to fight back and fight every game and get a result of 2-2... Might seem like a draw, but for us and for Indian Test cricket going into the future, this will rank right at the top, and this is where the change begins, and the team will win a lot more series outside of India. The whole team deserves it. Once I joined the team, it hit me (Not having the senior players around). To look around and not see them (Rohit, Virat and Ashwin) felt a bit weird. Everyone came to me and asked me about conditions, and that is when it hit me that okay, I have stepped into a different role to help the younger guys and use all the experience and really put my hand up and stand up for this team. Shubman has been phenomenal. He has really led from the front. Has worked really hard with the boys. He has been tactically really good. The changes he has made have always got us wickets somehow. He will grow further. He is here to stay as a leader and take this Indian Test team to great heights."

I thought I could do it: POTM Mohammed Siraj

The Player of the Match, Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj, bagged nine wickets in The Oval Test match (4/86 & 5/104), including a fifer in the fourth innings. 

In the presentation ceremony, Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj said after winning the Player of the Match award, "I feel amazing because we fought hard from day one til now. My plan was to hit my areas consistently and build pressure. Everything from there was a bonus. When I woke up today, I thought I could do it. I downloaded a picture from Google saying 'believe.' I thought the Brook drop was a game-changing moment. If it had been taken, we might not have come out today. But the way he attacked, hats off to him. Lord's was heartbreaking, Jaddu bhai told me to back my defence and remember my dad and do it for him."

The way India bowled today.....: POTS Harry Brook

There were two Player of the Series awards for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025. Indian Head Coach Gautam Gambhir selected Harry Brook as the Player of the Series award, who scored 481 runs in nine innings of the series, including two centuries and two half-centuries, while the right-handed batter finished as the fifth most run-scorer in the series.

English POTS Harry Brook said, "Came into the day very confident. Had very two good players out there at the time and thought they’d easily see it home. The way India bowled today, they deserve every success. Absolutely, we thought the bowlers would stiffen up a bit and the pitch would flatten out a bit. Siraj has played every game of the series and has bowled every ball 85+mph; respect him a lot. He was always going to go out, massive credit to him. Unfortunate we couldn’t get over the line. So many things you can think in hindsight, we were obviously going so well, if we could’ve got a couple of big overs when I was going, then the game was done. We’ve seen collapses in this series. My thought process was just to hit as many runs as quickly as possible. If we needed 40 runs when I and Rooty were out there and I got out, the game would’ve still been ours. Hindsight’s a beautiful thing, now that I think about it, I probably shouldn’t have played that shot. It’s been an awesome series, very intense series, we’ve been knackered after everything. We’ve put everything out there, we’ve enjoyed every moment of it even though the result didn’t go our way today. It’s such a good advert for Test cricket."

They were making the ball talk: POTS and Indian captain Shubman Gill

On the other hand, Indian captain Shubman Gill won the Player of the Series award for India, which was chosen by the English Head Coach Brendon McCullum. Gill was the leading run-scorer in this Test series with 754 runs in 10 innings, including four centuries. 

Indian skipper and POTS Shubman Gill said, "Definitely both the teams played brilliantly throughout the series. Both the teams came up with their A-game, happy to get on the right side today. When you have bowlers like Siraj and Prasidh, captaincy seems easy. They were making the ball talk. Yes, there was a bit of pressure on us, but they were really bowling well. We were confident. We wanted them to feel the pressure throughput the 37 runs they scored. He is a captain’s dream, every ball, every spell he bowled he came all out and gave it everything for the team. Both teams coming into Day 5 not knowing who would win shows how passionate both teams were and how hard everyone has played. Feels very rewarding, there were certain things I wanted to work on as a batter and it was a goal to end as the best batter of this series, glad to get that goal. It is always a combination of technique and mentality, when you are feeling good mentally then the technique naturally flows. (What he’s learnt through the series) That we never give up."

Disappointed we couldn’t get the series win: English Test captain Ben Stokes

Now, it was the time for English regular Test captain Ben Stokes, who missed the last Test of the series. 

English captain Ben Stokes said, "It’s obviously always difficult when you can’t participate in the game. Another hard-fought game, down to Day 5, both teams have put in so much energy and effort into it. Bitterly disappointed we couldn’t get over the line. But really proud of my team with everything they’ve put in. Disappointed we couldn’t get the series win. When it got to the situation it did, there was no question in Woakesy’s (Chris Woakes) mind (about batting). He spent yesterday thinking about which way around he was going to bat. We’ve got guys who’ve gone out there and played with broken fingers and broken feet. It shows how much it means to these players to play for their countries. I’m very proud of what the players have done, and I’m sure Shubman is too. India-England is always a big series; you get so much emotion. We won’t be going to our bed crying about what was said (on the field), and neither would the Indian players; it’s all part of the passion. Worked incredibly hard to be able to go out there and fulfill my role as an all-rounder. Disappointed I had to miss out on this game. Time to rehab and wait for the big one now (The Ashes). When one of your bowlers goes down so early in the game, everyone else’s role changes. The heart and the desire the big fellows kept showing in that second innings was tremendous. All we ask from the guys is for them to leave everything out on the field. Not ideal when one of your bowlers goes down, but it was a tremendous effort from our three fast bowlers."

Washington Sundar set another great example in the ongoing England tour as his fiery half-century put the visitors in a powerful position in their must-win game at The Oval Test, where India have set a giant fourth innings target of 374 runs for the hosts England. 

It is the last Test of the five-match Test series (Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025), where the hosts England are leading by 2-1. After a poor start in the first innings in the ongoing The Oval Test, India brilliantly made a comeback in the second half of the second innings of the Test match, and then the batters put the visitors in a dominant position on the challenging batting pitch. 

With the help of a century from the opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (118), a surprising maiden international half-century from the nightwatcher Akash Deep (66), and valuable scores from Ravindra Jadeja (53) and Dhruv Jurel (34), India already managed the 300+ lead. But Washington Sundar's quick-fire 50 put the visitors in almost a dream situation as they managed to set a 374-run target for the hosts. 

See Also: 'Dhoni number 1 banega...'- Netizens react after 'Most Talked About Indians in July' list published

Washington Sundar set great example in latest England tour

While many Indian batters have impressed in this tour, Washington Sundar has shone as much as a lower-order batter, except for the heroic Manchester Test draw, where he came to bat at no.5 in the third innings and scored his maiden Test century. In fact, after the latest innings during India's second innings in The Oval Test, Sundar became the fifth-highest run-scorer for India from no.8 or lower-order batting in an away bilateral Test series (183 in seven innings, excluding Manchester Test century).  

Washington Sundar scored 39-ball 50

In the third innings of The Oval Test, Sundar slammed a 39-ball half-century with the help of four fours and four sixes. He scored 53 off 46 balls before losing his wicket, as the visitors scored 396 runs. With the last batter Prasidh Krishna, who faced only two balls and couldn't open his account, Sundar had a 39-run partnership for the last wicket in just 19 balls.

Thank you Gautam Gambhir for backing Washington Sundar when others didn’t. 🙏⁰India has found a gem of an all-rounder. 🇮🇳💎⁰~ What's your take on this 🤔 #INDvsENG #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/mM3rjnc10i

— Kavya Maran (@Kavya_Maran_SRH) August 2, 2025

Gabba 2021
MCG 2024
Manchester 2025
Oval 2025

Washington Sundar has played only 13 Tests but the impact he has made is unreal 🤯. pic.twitter.com/asTwmeBqRi

— 𝐉𝐨𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐞 (@jod_insane) August 2, 2025

A 39 BALL FIFTY BY WASHINGTON SUNDAR. 🤯

- 4,4,6 to bring his fifty up. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/8Ve5S5sAPV

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) August 2, 2025

No words are enough to praise Washington Sundar.⁰One of the most underrated all-rounders.⁰No flashy PR, just pure class—always steps up in tough moments. 🙌
⁰~ What's your take on this 🤔 #INDvsENG #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/2opi5uTH5W

— Kavya Maran (@Kavya_Maran_SRH) August 2, 2025

How other see How Gambhir
Washington Management
Sundar. See him. pic.twitter.com/YNKPgwwhqe

— कट्टर INDIA समर्थक 🦁🇮🇳 ™ (@KKRWeRule) August 2, 2025

Washington Sundar 🔥 pic.twitter.com/sAr2uMpJpV

— Homie (@homelander_yyy) August 2, 2025

Give him bat, he will score.
Give him ball, he will pick wickets.
Ask him to field, he will save runs

Washington Sundar might go down as one of the most complete cricketer world has ever seen pic.twitter.com/U9ATCH5UhB

— Parmar' (@saisuszn) August 2, 2025

Washington Sundar when the 9 wickets down :

#INDvsENG2025 pic.twitter.com/bFjZJqoOvE

— Sarcasm (@sarcastic_us) August 2, 2025

Washington Sundar's family watching Sundar Batsman on TV pic.twitter.com/GC1JxBspbJ

— Honest Cricket Fan's (@maddiess18) August 2, 2025

Gill will get hype bcz he is captain
Csk fans and neutrals will hype jadeja
Jaiswal already has fans to hype him

Washington Sundar rarely gets the recognition he deserves. He deserves equal appreciation 🫡 pic.twitter.com/cM15W04Ycm

— ` (@chixxsays) August 2, 2025

Dear Gautam Gambhir, don't waste Washington Sundar generational batting talent, let's push him to bat in the top 5. pic.twitter.com/OIKu0riRNe

— Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991) August 2, 2025

Important contributions from India's lower middle order with Jaddu and Jurel chipping in but the real PAIN for England? The WASHINGTON TAX. Massive. Unbelievable. They weren’t ready!!! 😜 #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/jziAtlEZ1Z

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) August 2, 2025

Petition for Washington Sundar to bat higher up the order! #ENGvIND

— Eems (@NaeemahBenjamin) August 2, 2025

Washington Sundar had that fire in his eyes. He had that determination to shut his trolls and those criticizing him for the way he bats with the tail. So heartening to see him in absolute beast mode ❤️💪 #INDvsENG

— Anuj Nitin Prabhu (@APTalksCricket) August 2, 2025

I have a feeling that Washington Sundar may soon get a Steve Smith-esque promotion. https://t.co/o4VtczLPTY pic.twitter.com/0ozBs7mG8z

— Broken Cricket Dreams Cricket Blog (@cricket_broken) August 2, 2025

Washington Sundar, who went from No.8 to No.9, and ends up with more runs in the series than all options India tried at the No.3 position in the series. Will also have more runs than England's No.3, vice-captain (& stand-in captain) if Pope ends up making < 5.#ENGvsIND

— Rohit Sankar (@imRohit_SN) August 2, 2025

Irrespective of where the test is played Washington Sundar's name should be the first name written on the sheet even when great Bumrah is available..

— Amal Sudhakaran (@amal_sachinism) August 2, 2025

Indian pacers put the visitors right back on track in The Oval Test, and it became effectively visible after the Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj dismissed the English legend Joe Root, who had no clue how to handle that delivery. 

After India were bowled out for 224 runs, the English openers provided a flying start with a 92-run partnership in just 12.5 overs. But once that partnership was broken, the Indian pacers dominated with the ball and took regular wickets, as the hosts England were struggling at 215/7 at tea. 

Joe Root and Harry Brook were fighting hard as they had a 33-run partnership for the fourth wicket, while the Indian pacers were asking questions to the batters. Prasidh Krishna made life difficult for Root, while Mohammed Siraj also tested the second leading run-scorer in Test cricket history.

[WATCH] Mohammed Siraj strikes again to dismiss Jacob Bethell in 5th Test at The Oval

Mohammed Siraj trapped Joe Root

After conceding two fours in the first two balls, Siraj ended the over with the key wicket of Joe Root. Siraj delivered with a scrambled seam while it came quicker to Root, who had no clue, and it hit straight to his front pad. The non-striker end umpire Ahsan Raza had no doubt about that as he raised his finger to give it out.  

Root went for a review to check his luck, but it had no chance, as it was a plumb, and the visitors purchased an important wicket to make a comeback in the game. The former English Test captain was dismissed for 29 runs. 

Watch Joe Root's dismissal

That’s massive! 💥

Mohammed Siraj gets the huge breakthrough, Joe Root is gone!#ENGvIND 👉 5th TEST, DAY 2 | LIVE NOW on JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/SsOchMIRoq

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) August 1, 2025

The visitors India are trailing the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy by 2-1 as it is their must-win game, which is the final Test of the five-match series. If India can't win the Test, they will lose this series, while they only have the best result chance to draw the Test series by winning the ongoing The Oval Test. 

The Oval Test is less than 24 hours away from beginning, which is a must-win game for India to save this away Test series, and it will be a remarkable result for the Indian cricket team. On the eve of the Test series decider, Indian Test captain Shubman Gill spoke about the availability of Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah for the crucial Test match.

The visitors India are trailing the five-match Test series in England (Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025) by 2-1 with one to go. The Oval Test will begin on Thursday (July 31), where England need to draw to win the series, and India must win the Test to save the series 2-2. 

Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah is the joint second leading wicket-taker in the ongoing Test series with 14 wickets in five innings, including two fifers. He has already played three Tests in this series, which was expected. Due to the workload management, while there isn't much gap between the end of the Manchester Test and the beginning of The Oval Test, Bumrah's availability is doubtful for the series decider.

Last day, ESPNcricinfo reported that Bumrah is likely to miss The Oval Test as the medical team felt that the Indian pacer needed to rest, considering his back and the long-term implications. 

We will take a decision tomorrow: Indian captain on Jasprit Bumrah's availability for The Oval Test

However, in the latest press conference, Indian captain Shubman Gill revealed that the decision on Bumrah's availability for The Oval Test will be decided on the matchday morning. As the wicket looks very green, the right-arm fast bowler's service is likely to be very crucial for the visitors, especially when the Test series is at stake. 

Gill said, “We will take a decision (on Bumrah) tomorrow; the wicket looks very green. So we will see how it turns out."

See Also: Ben Stokes rested as England announce their playing XI for ENG vs IND 5th Test

Arshdeep Singh has been asked to get ready: Shubman Gill

While the left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh is reportedly close to making his Test debut, the Indian skipper revealed that the pacer had been asked to get ready, and the final decision would be taken on matchday. 

The Indian Test captain added, "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 picked a frontline spinner, we have Jadeja and Washi to do the job.”

While the visitors India are fighting to save the remarkable away Test series in England, they have a big setback in less than 48 hours before the beginning of the last Test of the five-match series against the hosts England. 

It is the five-match Test series between the hosts England and the visitors India, named the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025. England are currently leading the Test series by 2-1 with a match to go. The hosts won the first and third Tests of the series by five wickets (at Leeds) and 22 runs (at Lord's), respectively. Meanwhile, India won the second Test of the series by 336 runs at Edgbaston, while incredibly drew the fourth Test in Manchester to keep the series alive. 

Kennington Oval or The Oval in London will host the last Test of the series, starting on July 31. It will be the must-win fixture for India, who can only draw the Test series as their best possible result. Meanwhile, a draw in the upcoming Test will be enough for the hosts to win this Test. 

See Also: Who should play ENG vs IND 5th Test if Jasprit Bumrah does not play?

Jasprit Bumrah likely to miss The Oval Test

So, there is no doubt about the importance of The Oval Test for India, but the visitors have got a big blow, as the prime Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is reportedly set to miss the Test series decider. According to a recent ESPNcricinfo report, the BCCI medical team believes that the fast bowler should be rested, considering his back and the long-term implications. 

Before the start of the Test series, it was reported that Bumrah would be available for the first three Tests of the series, while he might miss the other two due to the need for a rapid recovery process. While the tireless Manchester Test ended on Sunday (July 27), the last Test of the series is set to begin on Thursday (July 31). Although Bumrah didn't need to bowl on Sunday, the BCCI medical team feels that the pacer needs more time to be available for a big Test match. 

Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025: Bumrah is joint second-most wicket-taker

Despite being rested from the Edgbaston Test, Bumrah is the joint second leading wicket-taker in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 with 14 wickets in five innings with an average of 26.00, including two fifers. 

According to an ESPNcricinfo report, Akash Deep is likely to replace Bumrah for The Oval Test. The Bengal pacer claimed a ten-wicket haul during the Edgbaston Test, where the visitors set a record-breaking win. He also featured in the Lord's Test but missed the Manchester Test due to an injury. 

Even before the beginning of the last Test of the thrilling ongoing five-match Test series, the controversy erupted after the Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir and the chief curator of The Oval had a heated argument. Indian batting coach Sitanshu Kotak opened up about that incident. 

During a recent practice session, Gautam Gambhir and Lee Fortis, the chief curator of The Oval, had a heated argument. According to the Indian batting coach Kotak, the head coach wanted to look at the pitch from a closer angle while wearing joggers, but the curator didn't like that.

[WATCH] ENG vs IND 5th Test: Oval's Lee Fortis open up his side over controversy with Gautam Gambhir

We did nothing wrong: Indian batting coach

In the press conference, the Indian batting coach claimed, “When we were having a look at the wicket, they sent a man to tell us to stay 2.5 metres away from the pitch. We were wearing joggers.”

Understanding the curators' view, Kotak felt that the Indian team didn't do anything wrong in that situation to make it a heated moment. He added, “We know curators are possessive about the square. What he said about the head coach is his opinion and I don’t want to comment. But we did nothing wrong."

The way he spoke, it was a bit arrogant

Kotak felt that the chief curator was arrogant, for which the man is popular in world cricket. The Indian batting coach said, “You can be protective about the square, but not arrogant. It’s not an antique that you can’t touch. He said they were trying to grow grass, but we were in joggers so we didn’t see the problem. The way he spoke, it was a bit arrogant. Everyone knows the curator at The Oval is not the easiest person to deal with.”

Indian batting coach talking about the heated conversation between Gambhir and curator. pic.twitter.com/5hMd6LYTOV

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 29, 2025

The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, the five-match Test series between the hosts England and the visitors India, currently stands at 2-1 with the last Test yet to be played. The Oval in London will host the last Test, starting on August 31. It will be the must-win game for India only to draw the away series, while a draw will be enough for England to win this home Test series.  

At the end of the Manchester Test, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that the Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant will miss the last Test of the ongoing five-match Test series in England, and also confirmed the replacement of the player for the forthcoming Test match. 

During the first innings of the Manchester Test, Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant was injured on the opening day while batting. Attempting to awkward reverse-sweep to English pacer Chris Woakes, Pant's missed time shot hit his right foot. On the broadcasting video, it was clearly visible that his foot was swollen and bleeding. It was very painful for him as he was forced to retire hurt. 

Although the medical report confirmed his fractured foot, Pant returned to bat on the second day and resumed his innings from 37 runs. Despite being hardly able to run, Pant fought bravely and scored 54 runs before Jofra Archer bowled him. 

Pant even arrived at the stadium on crutches on the final day of the Manchester Test, and he was reportedly ready to bat on the final day if required. However, the Indian batters' brave fight denied any forced responsibility from injured Pant, who obviously did not keep wicket in this Test match.  

See Also: English captain Ben Stokes speaks about hand shake controversy

Narayan Jagadeesan replaced Rishabh Pant for The Oval Test

At the end of the Manchester Test, the BCCI has confirmed that Pant has been ruled out of the final Test due to a fractured right foot. Narayan Jagadeesan, the 29-year-old uncapped wicketkeeper, has replaced Pant for the last Test of the series. 

🚨 𝗦𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗱 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 🚨

Rishabh Pant ruled out of fifth Test due to injury; N Jagadeesan named replacement.

All The Details 🔽 #TeamIndia | #ENGvIND

— BCCI (@BCCI) July 27, 2025

While the Manchester Test was the fourth game of the five-match Test series between the hosts England and the visitors India, the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, the visitors India are trailing this series by 2-1 after the fourth Test. The Oval will host the final Test of the series, starting on Thursday (July 31). England need a draw result to win their first Test series against India since 2021, and India must win the last Test only to draw the Test series. 

Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh in the updated fifth Test squad

Indian pacers Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh were ruled out of the Manchester Test due to their injuries, while the injured pace-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy was out of the remainder of the Test series. However, both Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh have been shown available for the upcoming fifth Test of the Test series in England.

Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025: India's updated squad for The Oval Test

Shubman Gill (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Kuldeep Yadav, Anshul Kamboj, Arshdeep Singh, N Jagadeesan (WK).

The England vs India 2025 Manchester Test ended on a sour note due to the last-hour handshake drama, and it stretched to the end of the match as the English Test captain Ben Stokes refused to shake his hand with the Indian cricketer Ravindra Jadeja, who played an important role for India to save the Test match.

Before the Manchester Test, which was the fourth game of the five-match Test series between the hosts England and the visitors India (Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025), India were trailing the series by 2-1. So, the visitors can't afford any more defeats in this Test series, while they still need one win to save the Test series. 

While the hosts England got a 311-run lead at the end of both teams' first innings of the Manchester Test, India were in danger of losing the Test series before the last game of the Test series. The situation became more complex for the visitors, after they were 0/2 in the first over. However, opener KL Rahul, skipper Shubman Gill first controlled the early situation with a strong 188-run partnership for the third wicket. While Rahul scored 90 runs, the Indian captain scored 103 runs.

Manchester Test ended with Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar's centuries

Later, the middle-order batters Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja saved India with the 203-run partnership for the unbroken fifth wicket, as India finished the match with their second innings total of 425/4. Both Sundar (101*) and Jadeja (107*) completed their centuries, which were their maiden and fifth Test centuries, respectively. However, their centuries happened after the final hour handshake drama on the field. 

As per the rules, the on-field umpires called the start of the last hour, which meant 15 overs left for the match. As the match had a dead end, English captain Ben Stokes called the Indian batters to shake hands to officially draw the Test match. At that time, Jadeja was at 89 not out, while Sundar was batting on 80 not out, who was looking at his maiden international century. Both batters clearly wanted to play to complete their centuries, but the English cricketers were unhappy with that decision.

See Also: Know what law suggests about India batters not shaking hands when Ben Stokes offered to call off ENG vs IND 4th Test in Manchester

Watch: Ben Stokes didn't shake hands with Sundar and Jadeja

While both batters completed their respective centuries, the match officially ended after Sundar's maiden Test hundred. At the end of the match, the English Test captain Ben Stokes didn't shake hands with both the Indian cricketers, while it also seemed that Jadeja wanted handshaking, but the opponent skipper had no interest. 

Here is the video showing looser Ben Stokes not shaking hands with Jadeja . pic.twitter.com/779HGJA4xM

— Satvinder Meel (@s4sattu) July 27, 2025