Aakash Chopra wants Jasprit Bumrah to play final Test at the Oval, backs Kuldeep Yadav's inclusion

The cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra has stated that star pacer Jasprit Bumrah should play the crucial fifth and final Test against England at The Oval, starting on July 31, 2025. With India trailing 1-2 in the series, the upcoming Test is a must-win for the visitors to level the series, and Chopra believes Bumrah’s presence in the XI will be vital.

Before the series began, the Indian team management had indicated that Bumrah would play only three out of the five Tests due to workload management. So far, the pace spearhead has featured in the matches at Leeds, Lord’s, and Manchester. That leaves fans and experts wondering if he will turn up again for the final encounter given its importance.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra made it clear that in his view, Bumrah should take the field at The Oval. “I feel there will be changes. Bumrah has decided that he will play three (Tests) only. Should he play three only? I feel a fourth can be played. Why can't he play his fourth Test and the fifth Test of the series? I feel he should play,” Chopra said.

Concerns about the availability of India’s other pace options have also added to the uncertainty around the bowling attack. Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep missed the fourth Test in Manchester due to injuries—Arshdeep with a hand injury and Akash with a groin issue. Mohammed Siraj also raised concerns after rolling his foot in a foothole during the same match.

Chopra addressed this issue and said, “I don't know about Siraj's fitness, although Gauti came and said that everyone is available. However, is he available? Is he 100 percent? Akash Deep and Arshdeep, I don't know.”

He also suggested that spin could play a crucial role in the final Test and backed Kuldeep Yadav’s inclusion. The left-arm wrist-spinner has not played a single match in the series so far.

“I feel Kuldeep Yadav should definitely be played at The Oval ground because this is a surface that eventually helps spin, and he is also crafty and skillful. You need to bring such bowlers into the game. The Bazball-playing English team might look to slog him a lot,” Chopra explained.

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