
India captain Shubman Gill has left the door open for Jasprit Bumrah’s participation in the decisive fifth Test at The Oval, saying the final call will depend on a last-minute assessment of the pitch and Bumrah’s workload. With the wicket carrying a noticeable green tinge, the team management wants to weigh conditions before finalizing the bowling attack for the series finale.
Bumrah has been India’s standout performer with the ball, taking 14 wickets in the series, but his workload management has been a key concern. Having already bowled nearly 120 overs across four matches, his pace and rhythm showed signs of strain during the drawn fourth Test in Manchester. The initial plan was to rotate him across the series, but the importance of the final match may lead to a rethink.
Gill acknowledged the uncertainty during the pre-match press conference, stating that the team would “take a decision tomorrow” after seeing how the surface settles. The green pitch suggests movement and seam assistance, making a bowler of Bumrah’s calibre potentially decisive if he is deemed fit to play.
If Bumrah is rested, left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh is in line for a possible Test debut. The team management has reportedly kept him on standby, while Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep are also available as seam options. The final XI is expected to balance pace resources with the spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, who have contributed with both bat and ball throughout the series.
For India, the stakes are high. A win would level the five-match series 2–2, while a loss would hand England a historic 3–1 victory. Gill emphasized the importance of finishing strong, noting that a drawn series would be a significant achievement for a young side playing under challenging English conditions.
The decision on Bumrah is also strategic beyond the series. With a packed international calendar ahead, the management must weigh the immediate value of playing him in a decisive Test against the long-term risks of overuse. Gill and the selectors are expected to confer with the medical staff before making the final call on the morning of the match.
As The Oval prepares to host the conclusion of a gripping series, all eyes will be on the toss and the team sheet to see if Bumrah takes the new ball or if India entrusts the job to a fresh combination. The green surface promises a seam-friendly battle, and Gill’s measured approach signals that India are leaving nothing to chance in pursuit of a dramatic series finish.