India have been forced into a major squad reshuffle ahead of the fifth and final Test against England at The Oval. Star wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been ruled out after suffering a fractured right foot during the fourth Test in Manchester. The injury ends his remarkable series, where he had already scored two centuries and three fifties, emerging as India’s leading run-scorer.
Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper Narayan Jagadeesan has been drafted in as Pant’s replacement, earning his maiden Test call-up. Known for his consistency in domestic cricket, Jagadeesan adds depth behind the stumps and is expected to back up Dhruv Jurel. His inclusion also offers India an extra batting option in the lower middle order, although replacing Pant’s counter-attacking flair will be no easy task.
Alongside this change, India’s July 27 squad update named Arshdeep Singh, Akash Deep, and Kuldeep Yadav among the probables. Reports indicate that Arshdeep Singh is confirmed to make his Test debut at The Oval, creating history as the first left-arm Indian seamer to play a Test in England since RP Singh in 2011. His selection is seen as a strategic move to add variety to India’s pace attack, which has relied heavily on right-arm seamers throughout the series.
Arshdeep’s journey to this point has been one of persistence. Known primarily for his white-ball exploits, he has been India’s leading T20I wicket-taker in recent years. Despite limited first-class exposure, his ability to swing the ball and maintain control with the new ball makes him a valuable asset in English conditions. The management believes his left-arm angle will create new challenges for England’s top order and help achieve a better bowling balance.
Jagadeesan’s entry into the Test squad reflects India’s need to secure a reliable wicketkeeping option. With Pant sidelined, his calm presence and solid technique offer stability, though the team will miss Pant’s ability to turn matches with aggressive batting. For Jagadeesan, the call-up is the culmination of years of domestic success and preparation for an opportunity at the highest level.
The combination of Pant’s absence and Arshdeep’s debut underscores a moment of transition for India. Losing one of their most dynamic players in a decisive Test is a setback, but introducing a left-arm seamer offers a tactical advantage that could prove crucial. With Akash Deep and Kuldeep Yadav also in the mix, India have ensured they have options to adapt their XI to the conditions.
As the series stands at 2–1 in England’s favour, the final Test carries immense weight. Arshdeep’s debut will be closely watched, not just as a personal milestone but as a potential turning point in India’s approach to building a versatile pace attack for overseas conditions. Pant’s absence, meanwhile, will test the depth and resilience of the batting lineup. The Oval clash now becomes both a battle for the series and a glimpse into the next phase of India’s evolving Test side.