Indian cricket team's lineup for the Oval Test, real-time updates: Bumrah absent, Karun Nair back - sources suggest
India's Jasprit Bumrah Sidelined for Oval Test Due to Knee Injury
Jasprit Bumrah, India's pace spearhead and joint-highest wicket-taker in the ongoing 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, will miss the fifth and final Test at The Oval due to a knee injury. Bumrah was released from the squad and is expected to undergo rehabilitation at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
The injury, while significant enough to keep him out of the Oval Test, is not severe enough to require surgery. This is part of a broader concern over Bumrah's fitness this year, with previous issues including a back injury earlier in 2025. Consequently, the BCCI and team management are carefully managing his workload to protect his long-term career.
Bumrah only played three out of the five Tests on the England tour and was rested for the final match at The Oval. This cautious management approach reflects concerns about Bumrah’s injury history and the desire to prolong his effective playing career. Unfortunately, this means that Bumrah is unlikely to feature in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 starting in September. The BCCI aims to prioritize his recovery to ensure he is fit for future important white-ball events such as the T20 World Cup early next year.
Meanwhile, India is set to make four changes for the Oval Test, according to an Indian Express report. Anshul Kamboj, Shardul Thakur, Rishabh Pant, and Jasprit Bumrah are set to be replaced by Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Karun Nair, and Dhruv Jurel.
Rishabh Pant, India's first-choice keeper and the series' third-highest run-scorer, has been ruled out with a foot fracture. Dhruv Jurel, who kept wickets in the previous two matches as a fielding substitute, automatically comes in Pant's place in the XI. As a precautionary measure, India has called up List-A record holder N Jagadeesan as backup wicketkeeper.
Arshdeep Singh, uncapped in Tests, is set to replace Anshul Kamboj, who had an underwhelming debut at Old Trafford. Singh, who is in contention for a Test debut, has been praised by India captain Shubman Gill. However, Gill indicated that a final decision will be made after assessing the pitch.
England has dropped their specialist spinner for the final Test, suggesting the Oval pitch may favor pacers. Meanwhile, India has Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar to do the job. England's captain, Ben Stokes, has been ruled out with a right shoulder injury.
This development leaves India with a tough task to level the series, currently at 1-2 in favor of England. However, India secured an improbable draw at Old Trafford and will be hoping to repeat their resilience at The Oval.
[1] Indian Express [2] Times of India [3] ESPNcricinfo [4] Cricket Country [5] Cricbuzz
Despite Jasprit Bumrah's absence due to a knee injury, sports enthusiasts can still look forward to watching an exciting fifth Test at The Oval between India and England. The Indian team is set to make four changes, including the possible Test debut of Arshdeep Singh, who is highly regarded by captain Shubman Gill.
