India’s Playing XI for 5th Test: Karun Nair Returns as Gambhir Plots Bold Revamp With 4 Key Changes
In a high-voltage climax to an already riveting Test series, India is set to unveil a revamped Playing XI for the 5th and final Test, and it’s Gautam Gambhir’s bold choices that have grabbed the spotlight. The biggest headline? The sensational return of Karun Nair, a name that once echoed with glory after a triple century but faded into the shadows. With the series delicately poised, Gambhir—now a pivotal figure in India’s cricket think tank—is expected to make four major changes to the squad, signaling a fresh, fearless approach.
The Context: A Crucial Decider
The five-match series has been fiercely competitive, with both India and their opponents exchanging blows in a gripping contest of skills, patience, and strategy. As India heads into the 5th Test, the team management—led by interim mentor Gautam Gambhir—is eager to make a final, emphatic statement. Injuries, inconsistent form, and the desire to experiment ahead of future tours have all contributed to what looks like a dramatic reshuffle in India’s Playing XI.
Likely Changes in India’s XI: A Breakdown
1. Karun Nair In for Shreyas Iyer
Karun Nair, who famously scored a triple century (303) against England* in 2016, is reportedly set to return to the Test side. With Shreyas Iyer struggling for runs and under scrutiny for technical flaws against pace and spin, Gambhir is believed to have backed Nair’s composure and hunger to prove himself on the big stage.
“Form is temporary, but class and temperament don’t vanish overnight. Karun deserves another run,” a source close to the team reportedly said.
2. Kuldeep Yadav In for Axar Patel
With the pitch expected to assist spinners as the match progresses, wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav is likely to be drafted in, replacing Axar Patel. Kuldeep’s ability to extract turn and bounce could prove to be a game-changing factor, especially in the middle overs when the opposition looks to consolidate.
3. Mukesh Kumar In for Mohammed Siraj
Mohammed Siraj may be rested as part of workload management, with Mukesh Kumar tipped to take his place. Though still relatively new at the highest level, Mukesh has impressed with his control and ability to swing the ball—particularly useful with the new ball on early-morning surfaces.
4. KS Bharat In for Dhruv Jurel
While Dhruv Jurel has shown promise, KS Bharat may get the nod based on his superior wicketkeeping skills, especially in turning conditions. With spinners playing a major role, Bharat’s glove work and experience could be the X-factor behind the stumps.
Gautam Gambhir’s Imprint: The Aggressive Selector
Gambhir’s influence on the squad is clear. Known for his aggressive mindset and no-nonsense attitude, he’s not afraid to back players with grit and past pedigree—even if it means breaking the conventional order. This isn’t just about experimentation; it’s about building a battle-ready core that can deliver under pressure, at home or abroad.
His backing of Karun Nair echoes his past support for players like Rahul Dravid and Virender Sehwag when others doubted them. He seems keen to build a culture of merit and mental toughness, a trait often missing in high-stakes matches.
Strategic Implications of the Changes
- Middle-order resilience: With Nair’s return, India seeks to reinforce the middle-order, which has looked fragile under pressure.
- Bowling versatility: Kuldeep brings a mystery element that complements Ashwin’s guile and Jadeja’s accuracy.
- Rotation & rest: Managing the pace unit is critical, especially with upcoming overseas tours.
- Spin-friendly tactics: With Bharat behind the stumps, India looks ready to go all-out with spin dominance on a dry track.
Probable Playing XI for 5th Test
- Rohit Sharma (c)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Shubman Gill
- Karun Nair
- Virat Kohli
- KS Bharat (wk)
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Mukesh Kumar
- Jasprit Bumrah
Fan Reactions: Mixed But Hopeful
While some fans are thrilled by Nair’s return and Kuldeep’s inclusion, others question the frequent shuffling of wicketkeepers and bowlers. Still, most agree that Gambhir’s decisions reflect a clear long-term vision aimed at creating depth and flexibility across formats.
“Karun Nair’s return is the comeback story we all needed,” tweeted one fan.
“Bold, brave, and classic Gambhir. These changes could win us the series,” wrote another.
Risk and Reward
The 5th Test will be more than just a series finale—it will be a litmus test for Gambhir’s selection strategy and India’s bench strength. Bringing back Karun Nair and trusting Kuldeep Yadav in crucial roles shows a shift towards bold, high-reward cricket.
Whether the gambit pays off or not, one thing is certain: Team India is not playing it safe anymore—and that could be the spark they need to dominate world cricket once again.
