Kuldeep Yadav in line for return as India mull star pacer's availability for 5th Test

After the fourth Test of the five-match Test series between England and India ended in a draw, all eyes are now shifted toward the fifth and final Test at The Oval. However, with the series tilted to the English side 2-1, Team India could be preparing for a tactical shuffle in their squad to level the series.

According to reports, the biggest buzz is around India’s star chinaman Kuldeep Yadav, who looks set to return to the playing XI. The Oval’s surface traditionally offers a bit of turn, and India might be tempted to inject a wrist spinner into the attack. His ability to trouble both edges of the bat, paired with his left-arm angle, gives the bowling unit something it’s missed in the last couple of matches, variety.

Meanwhile, pacer Akash Deep, who missed the fourth Test due to a groin niggle, is likely to be back in contention. The star pacer had shown promise earlier in the series and could be a handy asset to balance the seam attack. With India having struggled a bit with their bowling resources, which was quite transparent at Old Traffort, a fit-again Akash could be exactly what the lineup needs.

But the biggest question mark still hangs over the premium pacer, Jasprit Bumrah. The spearhead has already played three intense Tests on the bounce, and the management had hinted earlier that they were cautious about overloading him. Now, with the final Test looming, the team is set to make a call on his inclusion within the next 24 hours. It’s a delicate decision, rest him to preserve his fitness, or go all-in for the decider?

If Bumrah sits out and Akash Deep slots in, India might still be tempted to go with three frontline pacers, plus Kuldeep as the spin option. That would provide depth, variety, and a clear attacking mindset. The pace attack would feature Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna or Shardul Thakur, while they’ll also have some quality spin options with Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar and likely Kuldeep Yadav as well.

India’s probable squad for 5th Test:

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (C), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur/Prasidh Krishna.