ENG vs IND 2025: Will Kuldeep Yadav Return for 5th Test at The Oval? Full Analysis

Kuldeep Yadav's Test record

Kuldeep has played 13 Test matches so far and has taken a total of 56 wickets in them, averaging around 22.16. It is his 21 wickets in six Tests against England that show his ability, and we will consider this in this article. These stats prove that the chinaman is a genuine wicket-taker. His strike rate is also among the best in India, and this has led to opinions about him being included in the playing XI in this series.

‘X-factor’ against England

His kind of left-arm wrist-spin is rare. It is difficult for England batsmen to identify Kuldeep’s variations, such as wrong’un or flipper. This makes him a potential ‘X-factor’. His record against various English batters in particular makes him a dangerous and potent option.

Impact of the Oval pitch

The Oval pitch generally favours spinners on day four and five, especially in hot and dry conditions when there is turn and bounce. The summer in England this time around has been generally dry. Kuldeep's deliveries can be even more effective in such conditions. India have faced such pitch characteristics at the Oval in the past, and Kuldeep can take advantage of those conditions. 

Experts' support

Former captain Sourav Ganguly has openly stated that Kuldeep should be played in the next Test. Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has advised current captain Shubman Gill to show courage in making decisions and said that the emotional priority of batting depth can outweigh the effectiveness of bowling. Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has also questioned Kuldeep's chances of playing a decisive role amid Jasprit Bumrah's unavailability and fatigue for the final Test. Former English captain Michael Vaughan also said that Kuldeep's mystery and variations could create problems for England batsmen, and it could be a big talking point at the end of the series. 

Performance and atmosphere in the fourth Test

The fourth Test at Old Trafford ended in a draw. England accepted a draw to avoid workload pressure in the final half hour of the fifth day, while India's Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar deliberately did not accept it initially to complete their respective centuries. The whole incident created tension. The emotional depth of the series increased to an extent. India saved the match but did not win the game, and are still trailing in the series, which have increased the pressure on the pacers.

India's batting was good in the fourth Test, but the bowling did not make much of an impact. India's pacers looked tired and were ineffective. Kuldeep could have provided India with a sharper bowling attack.

Opposition argument

Team balance

India's management still prefers all-rounders who offer batting depth. Both Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja contribute with the bat, while Kuldeep's batting ability is limited. This is being done to maintain team balance.

Batting depth

Influenced by the drop in the batter's form and collapses in the earlier matches, the team has opted for players like Shardul Thakur, who can provide some runs. Kuldeep, although no mug with the bat, is limited in such a role.

Pace-oriented strategy

India have relied on pacers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep as the pace attack is considered to be more likely to take wickets in English conditions. This did not allow the inclusion of an additional spinner.

Limited experience in England

Kuldeep has played only one Test in England, that too at Lord’s in 2018, where he bowled nine overs and did not take any wickets. The chinaman has no experience of these conditions in Test cricket, and this could pose challenges.

Defensive stance of the management

The team management did not include Kuldeep in the previous four matches. The selection was part of a balanced, book-protection strategy that valued the batting prowess of the players. This limited the team to safe choices.

Fatigue of pace bowlers

Bowlers like Bumrah and Siraj are tired. The team may prefer young pacers like Arshdeep Singh or Prasidh Krishna instead of including Kuldeep. 

Different angles of the decision

Wicket-taking attack vs batting depth

Kuldeep's bowling spell can help India take 20 wickets quickly. Players like Jadeja and Washington Sundar can help India score extra runs and also save collapses. This selection balances the two sides.

Oval conditions

The pitch could be dry, which could help spin. Kuldeep could make a significant impact in that situation. 

Management's view

The team management prioritised batting depth in the last four Tests. The only hindrance to Kuldeep's selection was the concern about his batting abilities, which Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill value.

Player morale

Kuldeep performed impressively in practice sessions and was disappointed at not being selected in the playing XI in the earlier matches. Bowling coach Morne Morkel, described the situation as a selection balance problem.

Expert Opinion

Former players Ganguly, Ashwin, Pathan and Vaughan backed Kuldeep. They suggested that Kuldeep could be a 'surprise package' if the team want to sharpen their bowling attack.

Possible team combination

If Kuldeep is included, India will have to make selection changes. One of the possible changes is dropping Shardul Thakur and including Kuldeep as the lead spinner. Or, it could be Kuldeep being included instead of Anshul Kamboj.

Closure and Conclusion

India's chances of winning or saving the series could also depend on Kuldeep's role. His wicket-taking record, the spin-friendly nature of the Oval, and the support of specialists make him a compelling choice. Team balance, batting depth, and management strategy are factors that keep him out. The ultimate question is whether India chose an aggressive option: a specialist spinner like Kuldeep who can get wickets, or continue to rely on their batting depth. The series result and selection process will later become a big question: was Kuldeep denied a fair chance, or did India choose the right balance? The presence or absence of Jasprit Bumrah will also play a big part. I think India should take the risk of Kuldeep at the Oval.