Navjot Singh Sidhu opens up on India’s playing 11 for ENG vs IND 2025 5th Test

Former Indian Test opener Navjot Singh Sidhu has shed light on India’s playing XI for the fifth Test match against England. Sidhu reckons Kuldeep Yadav can replace either Anshul Kamboj or Shardul Thakur in the final XI.

Kuldeep Yadav has scalped 56 wickets in 13 Test matches at an impressive average of 22.16. Against England, Kuldeep has bagged 21 wickets in six Test matches at an impressive average of 22.28 but he hasn’t been given his chance in the first four Test matches.

On the other hand, Jasprit Bumrah has already played three out of the first four Test matches and Sidhu feels the fast bowler can take rest for the next three days. If Bumrah doesn’t play, Sidhu feels India should back Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Akash Deep.

“I feel in the interest of the team alone, two guys, Anshul Kamboj and Shardul Thakur, can be replaced by Kuldeep. There is nothing against anyone. Anshul will learn, but you are here more to make India win than build someone. Shardul also fell short. It will be a rock-hard wicket at The Oval. A spinner can come into a solid zone on the third and fourth days. Have batting till seven. If Bumrah plays fine. There are only three days so he may rest. Then there will be Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna. This should be your bowling attack with Kuldeep. Then you make Washington and Jadeja bowl too. Then it will feel like you are playing to win,” Sidhu said on his YouTube channel. 

Dhruv Jurel is expected to replace injured Rishabh Pant and Sidhu backs Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar to bat at number five, six, and seven, respectively.

Sidhu added, “India will have to go for a win from here. We need to seize the initiative. This is possible. If Dhruv Jurel plays at six in the next match, Jadeja can come at five as well. You have this option. Look at him as a pure batter. Overseas as a bowler Jadeja is good in a supporting role but he has not been able to win you games and that is evident. Play Washington Sundar at seven.” 

The former Indian batter reckons if the visitors manage a win at the Oval, then it would be a tribute to Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Rohit Sharma.

“If this Indian captain can make such a plan to go away by leveling the series then it will be a tribute to Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ashwin that the new generation is getting better than the previous one. And they can do it. If you believe, you will achieve,” he said. 

The fifth and final Test match between England and India will be played at the Kennington Oval, London, from 31st July onwards.