As we head into the final Test of what has already become an unforgettable series, it’s important to pause and reflect on the remarkable cricket that has unfolded over the last month. In an era where Test matches are often criticized for concluding within three to four days, this series has been a rare gift to cricket lovers—each of the first four matches has gone the full five-day distance. The tension, skill, and shifting momentum have captivated fans and justified every minute of attention. It’s a series that has revived the true essence of Test cricket.
India, despite the setbacks, have had multiple moments of resilience, especially with the bat. Their ability to claw back from pressure situations has been noteworthy. A standout moment was when India found themselves reeling at 0-2 in their second innings, chasing a massive deficit. It was then that Shubman Gill, India’s young captain, truly stamped his authority.
Gill’s knock in that scenario wasn’t just about runs, it was about leadership. With the series on the line and the team under intense pressure, he displayed grit and composure to see the team through a difficult period. While his tactical decisions may still be evolving, understandably so for a new captain, his batting form and ability to lead from the front have been commendable. In fact, pre-series concerns about whether he could balance captaincy with form have been emphatically silenced. He hasn’t just answered the question, he’s exceeded expectations.
Not to forget, KL Rahul has been a colossus at the top of the order, consistently setting the tone with authoritative strokeplay. Rishabh Pant has, as always, brought flair and unpredictability, doing “Rishabh Pant things” that shift momentum dramatically.
Sai Sudharsan’s inclusion at No. 3 was a strategic move that paid partial dividends. While he missed out in the second innings, his presence seems a better long-term fit and deserves continuity. The team would be wise to back him over multiple games rather than judge on brief returns.
Towards the lower middle order, the likes of Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja have provided crucial stability. In tight situations where the match and the series were delicately poised, they have stood up. Jadeja, especially, has been in exceptional form, making tangible
differences in multiple matches. His recent performances underline his value as a true all rounder.
Despite these positives, India’s major area of concern remains their bowling lineup. I have maintained from the start that India have been fielding the wrong combination. The absence of Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI throughout the series has been a baffling decision, particularly given his form and ability to extract turn even in unhelpful conditions.
India’s decision to rely on fast-bowling all-rounders like Shardul Thakur and Anshul Kamboj to deepen their batting has inadvertently diluted their bowling potency. This has allowed England to score freely and eased pressure at critical moments. Kuldeep, arguably the best spinner in the squad, would have added a different dimension, variation, control, and wicket-taking ability in the middle overs.
There’s a growing concern that India’s strategy has been shaped more by a reaction to England’s deep batting lineup rather than playing to their own strengths. By trying to match England’s batting depth, India have compromised on their bowling firepower. The upcoming fifth Test offers one final opportunity to correct this and bring Kuldeep into the fold, even if it might be a case of “too little, too late.”
On the other side, England were excellent in patches. Their opening pair finally clicked, giving Zak Crawley a much-needed confidence boost. The real strength, however, lies in the leadership and big-match temperament of Ben Stokes and Joe Root.
Stokes, like Gill, has had a phenomenal series. His decision-making, intensity, and example setting performances have been critical in holding the team together. There are fitness concerns going into the next game, but if fit, his presence will be invaluable.
Root has been masterful with the bat, once again proving why he is among the modern greats of Test cricket. His innings in the most recent game helped lay the foundation for England’s total, and his ability to hold the innings together has been a consistent theme.
A common thread between both sides is fatigue; especially among the bowlers. It is not easy to play four five-day Tests on the trot. Workloads have caught up. Jasprit Bumrah, India’s spearhead, looked tired and underwhelming, and other Indian and England bowlers also seemed running out of gas. These signs of exhaustion will inevitably force both teams into making changes ahead of the fifth Test.
Heading into the final match at the Kennington Oval, all signs point to another tight contest. The pitch has stayed flat throughout the domestic season and is not expected to deteriorate drastically, which might again discourage India from playing a spinner. But conditions shouldn’t override logic: if Kuldeep is among your five best bowlers, he must play.
Weather-wise, the forecast is generally clear, with no major disruptions expected. It sets the stage for another thriller—a match that will likely swing back and forth before producing a decisive outcome.
This series has been a Test cricket spectacle: tactical, emotional, and dramatic. If the final match mirrors even half the intensity and quality of the previous four, fans are in for a fitting finale. India’s final hurdle? Picking the right XI. England’s? Staying fit and sharp. Either way, the Oval promises to deliver.
