Former India spinner Murali Kartik acknowledged India's remarkable strength in cricket, emphasizing that even established players who have performed extremely well are finding it hard to get into the national team. His comments came after India’s dominant win over Pakistan in their Group A Asia Cup 2025 clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, September 14. Suryakumar Yadav’s side chased down the 128-run target with seven wickets to spare in just 15 overs.

Kartik pointed out how players like Sai Sudharsan, Washington Sundar, and Ruturaj Gaikwad, despite their proven talent, missed out on the Asia Cup squad. Sudharsan, the 2025 IPL Orange Cap winner, was one of the most notable omissions. He also highlighted how Punjab opener Abhishek Sharma set the tone against Pakistan by smashing Shaheen Shah Afridi for a six on the very first ball of the innings.

Speaking to Cricbuzz, Kartik said, “Just think of the kind of players who are missing out. Somebody like Sai Sudharsan, an Orange cap holder, can’t make the side. Washington Sundar can’t make the side. Ruturaj Gaikwad can’t make the side. Arshdeep Singh can’t make the XI. These are the kind of players you are talking about.”

Kartik on IPL’s Standard vs International Cricket

The former left-arm spinner underlined how India’s fearless approach, especially Abhishek Sharma’s aggressive start, showed the sheer quality in the side. “Just the way they played yesterday. The first ball from Shaheen Shah Afridi is not even a sighter, which Abhishek Sharma needs. He runs down the track. That is the kind of talent you are talking about. Yesterday, India looked possibly the best from the side view. There was no comparison at all,” he said.

See Also: Asia Cup 2025: 'Our main concern is the middle overs' – Bangladesh spin consultant flags key challenge ahead of must-win tie vs Afghanistan

Kartik further argued that the Indian Premier League is more competitive than international cricket. “Just think of the number of sides, and this is no disrespect to any side. We talk about international cricket, which means these are countries playing, and you just take the quality of all the IPL sides 1-10. Think of the 10th team, anybody, that is a year that could go wrong for any franchise, but think of the quality in the 10th-placed side that can actually beat most of the international sides. So IPL is a tough gig. It is tougher than international cricket,” he concluded. India have already sealed their Super-Four spot and will face Oman in their last group match on Friday, September 19, in Abu Dhabi.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to announce India’s squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. For that, they may have to take some harsh decisions. There are too many contenders waiting for their chances to shine for Men in Blue; only a few among them will make the final cut. Will BCCI consider Washington Sundar to defend their Asia Cup title?

Washington Sundar has been going through an exceptional period of his international career. The spin-bowling all-rounder is in contention for the Asia Cup squad, but the selectors have yet to make a final decision about his chances in T20Is. Sundar’s recent performances are, beyond any doubt, top-notch. During the Anderson-Tendulkar trophy, he did not take too long to make a positive impression in the middle. Mostly known for spin bowling abilities, Sundar surprised cricket fraternities with batting. Under pressure, the 25-year-old smashed a hundred at Old Trafford to save team India from the worst possible result. At The Oval, during the final and series-decider Test, Sundar claimed a half century in the second innings. His inclusion in the first XI proved useful for Shubman Gill and Co. to maintain batting depth as well as firepower in bowling.

Recent Matches of Washington Sundar:

• India vs England (The Oval): 26 & 53, 0/19
• India vs England (Manchester): 27 & 101*, 2/107
• India vs England (Lord's): 23 & 0, 0/21 & 4/22
• India vs England (Birmingham): 42 & 12*, 0/73 & 1/28     

Read More: Should Team India select Riyan Parag for Asia Cup 2025? Know facts and stats.

IPL 2025 performance in brief:

Test and T20 possessed two completely different ball games. So the selectors have to think twice before taking a final call on Sundar based on his recent test performances. The IPL 2025 campaign of the Chennai-born was underwhelming, as he got to play only a few matches with Gujarat Titans (GT). In 6 IPL 2025 matches with GT, the all-rounder scored 133 runs in 5 innings and took only a couple of wickets.

Sundar's batting stats for GT in IPL 2025

Sundar's bowling stats for GT in IPL 2025

T20I performance in brief:

After making his T20I debut in 2017, Washington Sundar managed to play only 54 matches. His last T20I encounter with Team India was in January this year against England at Rajkot. It was not a memorable affair for the all-rounder; he remained wicket-less in the game and was able to score only 6 runs. Meanwhile, his all-over T20I stats cannot be considered spectacular. The best T20I bowling figures of his career came during a match against Zimbabwe in 2024, when he took 3 wickets, conceding only 15 runs. Against Bangladesh and Afghanistan too, Sundar has 3-wicket figures. 50 was his highest individual score for India in the format of the game, which he scored against New Zealand at Ranchi on January 27, 2023.

Washington Sundar's T20I stats:

Gujarat Titans (GT) made a dream start to their Indian Premier League (IPL) journey, clinching the title in their debut season in 2022. Since then, they have maintained impressive consistency, securing three playoff spots in four years. In IPL 2025, GT dominated the group stage and topped the points table for most of the season. However, a dip in form during the final stages saw them slip to third place, eventually losing the Eliminator to five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) by 20 runs. Despite the setback, Shubman Gill lead GT will aim to retain their core while adding reinforcements ahead of IPL 2026.

Throughout their IPL journey, GT has been known for unearthing match-winners and maintaining a balanced squad. In IPL 2025, several players stood out with their performances, contributing significantly to the team’s success in the league stage. Their impact with both bat and ball not only helped GT remain competitive but also boosted their market value. Given the auction dynamics, some of these standout performers could explore opportunities to attract higher bids by entering the IPL 2026 mini-auction instead of staying with their current contracts.

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While GT is expected to retain key match-winners, certain players may opt for release to maximise their value. The upcoming mini-auction offers franchises a chance to spend big on proven performers, and GT’s top contributors from 2025 fit that bill perfectly. Players who showcased consistency, match-winning ability, and adaptability across different match situations will be in high demand. This makes it possible that GT could see a few of their standout stars seeking fresh contracts for the 2026 season.

Washington Sundar

All-rounder Washington Sundar, who was bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for INR 8.75 crore in IPL 2022, became a bargain signing for Gujarat Titans (GT) at just INR 3.20 crore during the IPL 2025 auction. The Tamil Nadu cricketer made a strong impact with the bat, scoring 133 runs at a blistering strike rate of 166.25. His ability to accelerate in crucial moments added depth to GT’s middle order and provided valuable contributions in pressure situations, making him a standout performer despite his relatively low auction price.

Sundar also chipped in with the ball, taking two wickets in 10.5 overs during the season, though he had an economy rate of 10.25. Beyond the IPL, his impressive performances in the recently concluded India vs England Test series have further enhanced his reputation. With his all-round skills and current form, interest from other franchises ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction could increase significantly, potentially leading to a higher bid if he decides to enter the player pool.

Sai Kishore

Spinner Sai Kishore established himself as one of the rising stars in T20 cricket during the recent IPL season. Initially signed by Gujarat Titans (GT) for INR 3 crore ahead of IPL 2022, his modest performances in the following years saw him re-acquired for a reduced price of INR 2 crore. However, in IPL 2025, with Rashid Khan struggling to hit peak form, Kishore quietly stepped up, delivering consistent performances and playing a crucial role in the team’s bowling attack during the group stages and high-pressure matches.

Kishore’s 2025 campaign was his most impactful yet, as he picked up 19 wickets in 15 matches, maintaining an economy rate of 9.25. His ability to break partnerships and bowl in key phases gave GT an edge in tight games. After such a standout season, the left-arm spinner might consider requesting a release ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction, hoping to attract a bigger bid from other franchises looking for a dependable and in-form spinner.

Anuj Rawat

Young wicketkeeper-batter Anuj Rawat was signed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for INR 3.40 crore ahead of IPL 2022. Over three seasons, he featured in 22 matches, amassing 318 runs. Following his release from the RCB squad, Gujarat Titans (GT) picked him up at his base price of INR 30 lakh in the IPL 2025 auction. However, despite being part of the squad, Rawat did not get a single game in GT’s 15-match campaign during the season, spending the entire tournament on the sidelines.

Currently, the 25-year-old southpaw is making headlines in the ongoing Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2025 with his explosive batting form. He has already accumulated 232 runs at a scorching strike rate of 184.13, including three half-centuries in the tournament so far. His current purple patch could increase interest from franchises ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction, with teams potentially viewing him as a dynamic middle-order option and an effective wicketkeeping backup.

Days after the Oval Test and the conclusion of the Anderson-Tendulkar trophy, Indian cricketers are thrilled to remember every inch of the contest filled with multiple intense moments. One of the most talked about moments of the series emerged when England skipper Ben Stokes proposed to Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar to settle the fourth Test as a draw. Sundar described the incident as the positive catalyst behind their heroics during the series decider game.

When Stokes went for a handshake to settle the match, Jadeja and Sundar were approaching their hundreds. Jadeja denied the handshake and the proposal to draw without completing the match. The straight forward refusal did not work well for Stokes, as he replied to Jadeja, "Do you want to score a century against Harry Brook?" The controversial incident sparked Team India's craving to level the series. 

"We've seen a lot of such things happen, not just in cricket, but in any sport. I mean, that's how sport is. It brings out a lot. I think it was just an experience for all of us, honestly," Sundar said.

Read More: Shreyas Iyer to leave PBKS for IPL 2026? Know latest developments

Sundar talked about mental preparations as well

Sundar further added, "Especially in Test cricket, you want to be challenged because that's exactly what you expect every single day. And when the situation gets tough, the only thing that will help you get over it and come out successful is being really tough in your head." 

The fourth test of the five-match series ended in a draw. England, in their first innings, scored 669 runs in reply to India's 358 runs. The home team was looking in a comfortable position to conceal the match and the series as well. But centuries from Captain Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar shaped The Oval Test as the series decider. On Day 5 of the fifth Test, England needed only 35 runs to win the match and the series but had only four wickets in hand. With the help of Mohammed and Prasidh Krishna, the men in blue stunned the home team and made the scoreline 2-2. 

Gautam Gambhir, the Indian head coach, earned so much success in the white-ball format, including the home T20I series victory against England, besides lifting the title in the Champions Trophy 2025 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, he hadn’t got the same joy in the longest format of the game, including two successive red-ball series defeats.

In his coaching, India lost their first home Test series since 2012 against England before facing another red-ball series defeat against Australia during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 down under by a 4-1 margin. However, it was a decent performance from them to draw the series in England, as the spin all-rounder, Washington Sundar, highlighted his coaching skills.

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“He also had No. 5 on the back of his jersey (like me). And obviously, he was an extremely elegant left-hander. The only thing I didn’t enjoy was bowling to him in the IPL. He was super successful against me, but he is an amazing human being.” Sundar expressed during a recent interview on Wisden.

Washington Sundar comments on Gautam Gambhir's coaching during ENG vs IND 2025 Test series

Sundar smashed a fine knock of 101 runs during the second innings of the fourth Test at Old Trafford in Manchester, which helped them draw the clash. Later, in the second innings of the Oval Test, the left-handed batter drilled 53 runs to set a target for the home side, which they eventually went on to win by six runs.

“He has had so much faith in all of us that we would fight at all times and win the game. Glad to see him happy at the end of the series. Credit to them for having such a calm dressing room throughout the series. Their communication was precise and clear on what was expected.” The Tamil Nadu spinner revealed.

There were several criticisms of Gambhir, regarding his team selection, on why he didn’t pick Kuldeep Yadav for the entire series and kept on going with all-rounders. But at the end of the series, it worked and they drew the series 2-2 margin despite being 2-1 down after the third encounter at Lord’s.

Team India concluded the Anderson-Tendulkar trophy without using the experienced spinner Kuldeep Yadav. The team management kept faith in their batters and all-rounders. Instead of playing a full-time spinner, Shubman Gill and Co. opted to go with spin bowling all-rounders like Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja. Both proved their mettle in crucial moments on more than one occasion.

Jadeja was restless throughout the series, and Sundar got his best batting outcome when team India needed him the most. When India was trailing by 1-2, a part of the cricket fraternities advised the management to include Yadav in the playing XI, but they relied on increasing batting depth.

After the series, when Kuladeep's Test career was under certainty, former India international Robin Uthappa made some interesting comments. According to the former keeper-batter, the spinner should now work on his batting skills, like Ravichandran Ashwin did before.

Read More: DPL 2025, Match 12: EDR vs ODW head-to-head, pitch report & predicted playing XIs

Opinions from two former internationals

"Put Kuldeep in the 11 and make sure your batting is still in a state where none of the fans will go after the team management or the captain. With all due respect to Kuldeep's prowess with the ball, he's got limitations to his batting. That's going to take a lot of effort from his side," Uthappa opined on his YouTube channel. "Ashwin has got 5-6 Test hundreds. If he can do that at the lower middle batting order, say at number eight or nine, then he will certainly play more tests." In a separate discussion, another former India international, RP Singh, also explained his views on Kuldeep Yadav. He is hopeful that Kuldeep will get his due chance despite Washington Sundar's impressive all-round display. 

"Washington Sundar partially filled the spin bowler role. But I believe there were two or three pitches where Kuldeep could have been very effective. But these things happen in cricket; if not today, then there will be opportunities in the future," he said. 

Former Team India batting coach Sanjay Bangar believes that Washington Sundar has the potential to take over the role currently played by Ravindra Jadeja in the Test side once the veteran all-rounder retires. Bangar lauded Sundar’s growth, particularly in his batting, and said the young all-rounder has expanded his scoring options since debuting for India. He emphasized that Sundar has developed into a player capable of fulfilling a versatile and crucial role in the Test setup.

Sundar has impressed in the ongoing Test series in England. After scoring an unbeaten 101 off 206 balls in Manchester—an innings that helped India save the Test—he continued his fine form with a rapid 53 off just 46 deliveries in the second innings of the Oval Test on Saturday (August 2). According to Bangar, the contrasting styles of Sundar’s two recent knocks are a testament to his range and adaptability as a batter.

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Bangar said: "When the time comes, when he moves on, you certainly have a player who can very quickly progress in the role that Jadeja is doing for the team now." he added: "What you saw in the last-wicket partnership was striking abilities of Washington Sundar. Initially, he had restrictive areas to score. He was very strong through the off side—whatever I remember of him in the earlier times. But, he has developed a very good leg side game as well. He has opened up scoring areas."

Sundar proving his all-round value in England

Bangar further praised Sundar’s intent and mindset, especially during his attacking knock at The Oval.
"The very fact that he had that mindset of helping India to extend that lead and play in that cavalier manner means here is a guy who is willing to do various things for his team," he added.

See Also: WATCH: Ravindra Jadeja gets distracted by red shirt fan during ENG vs IND 2025 5th Test

As the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy continues, Sundar's contributions with both bat and ball have been substantial. In eight innings, he has scored 284 runs at an average of 47.33, with one century and one fifty. He has taken seven wickets at 35.85, his best being 4/22 at Lord's. His contributions have come alongside useful contributions from Jaiswal (118), Jadeja (53), Akash Deep (66), and Dhruv Jurel (34) in India's second innings at the Oval.

The fifth Test between India and England has reached its final innings at The Oval in London. Most likely, Day 4 of the Test on Sunday, August 3, will be the last day of cricket in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. India pacer Mohammed Siraj took a wicket on the final ball of Day 3, dismissing England opener Zak Crawley. England finished Day 3 on 50/1 after 13.5 overs, chasing a target of 374, setting up an exciting Day 4.

Earlier, India scored 396 in their second innings, with Yashasvi Jaiswal making 118 and half-centuries from night watchman Akash Deep and all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. Shubman Gill-led India need to win this Test to level the series and keep the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. On that note, here are three important things India must do on Day 4 of the fifth England vs India Test.

Also Read -“Rohit bhai just keep playing” - Yashasvi Jaiswal reveals veteran’s message on Day 3

1. India must put pressure at key moments

No team has chased more than 263 runs at The Oval in the fourth innings, a record England set over 100 years ago in their one-wicket win over Australia. To beat that by 111 runs, England will need not only Bazball’s aggressive style but also almost perfect execution.

England’s top two successful chases in history — 378 against India in 2022 at Edgbaston and 371 against India earlier in this series at Leeds — came on flatter pitches. But The Oval’s variable bounce and wearing surface will make things much harder this time.

For India, knowing when to attack and when to defend will be key. The Dukes ball has behaved strangely in this series, swinging and seaming more towards the end of the first session and the start of the second. The roller may help at the start of play, so India might begin a bit defensively. But in the second and third hours, the fast bowlers should try pitching the ball up to find any movement in the air. If India can put pressure at the right moments, especially late in the first session, they will have a strong chance of winning on Day 4.

Stumps on Day 3 at the Oval 🏟️

A fantastic day with the bat for #TeamIndia 🙌

England 50/1 in the 2nd innings

India need 9⃣ wickets to win the fifth and final Test!

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/Tc2xpWNayE#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/fILzecV2jy

— BCCI (@BCCI) August 2, 2025

2. Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar can be trusted with the ball

India’s three pacers will have to give their best one last time in the series, but captain Shubman Gill will need to keep them fresh. To give the pacers short breaks, Jadeja and Sundar can be relied on to keep the runs down. The spinners have bowled very well whenever they have been used.

Jadeja and Sundar might even get some help from the pitch. On Day 3, Jacob Bethell got one ball to turn sharply past the outside edge in the first over, and both Indian spinners put a lot of spin on the ball. Sundar has also been effective even without much help from the surface, with his drift troubling England’s right-handers.

3. India Needs to Continue Using In-Out Fields

In the final hour of play on Day 3, Gill and the team made a smart move. They placed a sweeper on the boundary for Zak Crawley while keeping close-in catchers. This in-out field worked well.

England are known to attack the bowling, especially in fourth-innings chases. By cutting off boundaries, India can break their rhythm while still being ready to take catching chances. On Day 4, India should use the same plan. Players like Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, and Jamie Smith will try to score quickly, especially if batting conditions are tough. It took India five Tests, but they finally seem to have found the right approach.

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. 

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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

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.

Watch the video here

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

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.