Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has backed the team management’s selection decisions for the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England at The Oval. The 52-year-old endorsed the inclusion of Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna in the playing XI, calling them the “right picks” for the conditions. With Jasprit Bumrah, Shardul Thakur, and Anshul Kamboj left out, and Rishabh Pant unavailable due to injury, Bangar believed the team had made thoughtful and tactical choices.

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Bangar said, “I think those were the right picks because Akash Deep has been quite effective, not only in England but also in the Test matches he played in Australia. At The Oval, you would want a Prasidh Krishna to play because of his extra bounce. A very important match for Prasidh Krishna because he was somebody who was not picked in the last match, and Anshul Kamboj was preferred over him when he was fit and available.” Akash Deep had missed the fourth Test at Old Trafford due to injury, while Krishna, who played the first two Tests, was replaced by Bumrah at Lord's.

India made four changes to the XI for the series decider. Bangar felt that the combination of factors—Pant's absence, the underperformance of the pace-bowling all-rounder, and the green pitch at The Oval—led to the team’s final selection. He noted these elements likely influenced the exclusion of Kuldeep Yadav and the preference for a more seam-friendly setup.

Multiple Factors Influenced India’s Final XI

“I think it is a combination of many factors, not one or two,” Bangar said. “So what am I looking at? 1. The unavailability of Rishabh Pant, who has scored a lot of runs in the series. He wasn't available. Secondly, maybe the Indian team would have thought of what the pace bowling all-rounder was actually giving them, and if he is not giving them what they are expecting, then I think they also see an opportunity at The Oval to bowl a few more overs of spin and not have that option of the sixth bowler affect the decision-making process.”

See Also: [WATCH ]'Will Have to Play Against Us' – Shahid Afridi words backfire as India Champions boycott WCL 2025 semi-final

He added, “The thing about the green tinge at The Oval would have meant that any thoughts of playing Kuldeep would have gone away with that. I see the combination of all those three factors that have gone into the thinking of what combination India is playing.” Throughout the series, India has consistently opted for batting depth over a pure five-bowler approach, with Washington Sundar preferred over Kuldeep Yadav as the second spinner.

Ravindra Jadeja’s performance in the first Test against England at Headingley has raised fresh questions over his place in India’s overseas Test team ranks. Curse of The SG Test With R.Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav unavailable, Jadeja was the senior spinner and could manage only a wicket in 47 overs, going for 172 runs. As England pulled off a record chase of 371, Jadeja's inability to exploit the Day 5 rough drew sharp criticism from former players and fans alike.

Former Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin questioned whether Jadeja is still India’s best spin option in conditions like those in England. Speaking on the Willow Talk podcast, Haddin suggested that the 36-year-old left-arm spinner may be more suited as a supporting act, rather than the lead spinner abroad. With Ashwin now retired and Kuldeep warming the bench, the pressure is mounting on the Indian team management to rethink their spin strategy for the rest of the series.

Even former England batter Mark Butcher didn’t hold back, describing Jadeja’s bowling as “extraordinary… in a bad way.” He criticized the veteran for failing to land the ball in the rough until it was far too late, calling it a missed opportunity that may have cost India a chance at victory. The numbers reflect the concerns: Jadeja gave away runs at 4.33 per over and failed to provide the control or penetration expected from a senior spinner.
ALSO READ: After ODIs, Najmul Hossain Shanto shockingly quits Test captaincy post SL vs BAN 2025 Tests

Time for Change? Why Jadeja’s Spot Could Be Under Threat

With India trailing 0-1 in the five-match series and the second Test around the corner, the selectors may need to make bold decisions. Kuldeep Yadav’s wrist-spin offers a more attacking option, and if Nitish Kumar Reddy plays as a seam-bowling all-rounder, the team could afford to drop Jadeja without losing much batting depth.

Jadeja is a proven match-winner, especially in home conditions, but away from India where conditions don’t offer much turn his effectiveness as a lead spinner is being seriously questioned. While he still brings experience and energy, that may not be enough anymore. If India wants to level the series, they might have to look past reputation and go with the most impactful options on current form.