India XI for 5th Test vs England: Kuldeep Yadav In, Anshul Kamboj Out, Sanjay Bangar Promotes Ravindra Jadeja Up the Order
As the high-stakes 5th Test between India and England approaches, Team India has unveiled a bold and strategic playing XI, signaling a clear intent to dominate in the series decider. The headline changes? Kuldeep Yadav returns to the squad, Anshul Kamboj is left out, and in a major tactical shift, Ravindra Jadeja gets promoted in the batting order—a decision backed strongly by batting coach Sanjay Bangar.
With the series tantalizingly poised and both teams eyeing a strong finish, these changes reflect India’s aggressive approach to seize control in the final showdown.
Kuldeep Yadav In: India Goes Spin-Heavy at The Oval
Left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who has impressed in recent red-ball outings, is set to return to the XI, replacing young pacer Anshul Kamboj, who showed promise but lacked the experience needed for a high-pressure finale. The pitch at The Oval, traditionally known to assist spinners in the latter half of the match, makes Kuldeep a vital asset.
Kuldeep’s recent form, especially his ability to extract sharp turn and bounce, gives India a mystery spin angle that England’s middle-order may find hard to decode.
“Kuldeep brings variety and unpredictability. His wrist spin can really unsettle the English batters, especially on Day 4 and 5,” said a BCCI official.
Anshul Kamboj Sits Out: Experience Over Experiment
While Kamboj’s debut spell earlier in the series turned heads with its raw pace and control, team management has opted to bring in experience for the final encounter. With Bumrah and Siraj leading the pace attack, and all-rounder Shardul Thakur offering seam support, India can afford to go spin-heavy in the final match.
Kamboj, still early in his international career, is expected to be part of India’s long-term pace plans, but for now, he watches from the sidelines.
Jadeja’s Promotion: Sanjay Bangar Backs All-Round Firepower
Perhaps the most intriguing development is Ravindra Jadeja’s elevation in the batting order, a move reportedly proposed and backed by batting coach Sanjay Bangar. Jadeja, who has already scored a century in the current series, is expected to bat at No. 5, ahead of wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant.
The rationale? Stability, balance, and left-hand variation.
“Jadeja has shown incredible composure with the bat. He absorbs pressure and builds partnerships. At No. 5, he adds solidity and opens up scoring avenues for the lower middle order,” Bangar was quoted as saying.
This move also helps counter England’s right-arm heavy bowling attack, offering a left-right combo that can disrupt their rhythm.
India’s Predicted XI for 5th Test vs England:
- Rohit Sharma (c)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Rishabh Pant (wk)
- Shardul Thakur
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mohammed Siraj
- Jasprit Bumrah
This XI reflects a fine blend of attack and adaptability, with Jadeja and Ashwin offering depth in both departments, and Kuldeep adding flair to the spin unit.
Opposition Watch: England on Alert
With Kuldeep’s inclusion and Jadeja’s promotion, England’s planning will have to pivot fast. Their vulnerability against quality spin has already been exposed in this series, and Kuldeep’s addition only amplifies that threat.
Also, Jadeja’s higher position means England’s bowlers must now confront one of the world’s most reliable all-rounders much earlier in the innings, adding pressure right from the middle overs.
Conclusion: India Gears Up for a Tactical Takeover
With the series finale set to unfold at The Oval, India’s new-look XI signals aggression, intent, and adaptability. The return of Kuldeep Yadav, the exit of the promising Kamboj, and Jadeja’s tactical promotion by Sanjay Bangar have given India the edge—not just on paper, but in terms of psychological advantage.
Now, it’s up to the men in blue to turn this strategy into a series-sealing performance. The battle is on, and with these changes, India looks well-prepared to script a commanding finish.
