The fifth and final match of the Test series between India and England will be played in Dharamshala from March 7. The Indian team is currently leading 3-1 in this series. The Indian Cricket Board has announced Team India’s squad for the fifth Test. Find out how India’s playing XI could fare in such a situation in the Dharamshala Test here.
Vice-captain and star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has returned to Team India for the fifth Test. Senior middle-order batsman KL Rahul was also ruled out of the fifth Test. Young Devdutt Padikkal remains in the team. However, Washington Sundar has been cleared to take part in the Ranji Trophy semi-final but can be recalled to the team if required.
Fast bowler Akash Deep, who made his dream debut in the fourth Test, is struggling to get a place in the playing eleven in the fifth Test. Due to Bumrah’s return, Akash Deep may have to sit on the bench. However, the team management can rest Mohammad Siraj in the fifth test. In such a situation, Bumrah could return in place of Siraj. Apart from this, Rajat Patidar, who has flopped in three consecutive Tests, can also be shown the way out. In his place, Devdutt Padikkal or Akshar Patel can reach the finals.
Team India can also field two fast bowlers and three spinners in Dharamshala. In such a situation, two fast bowlers Mohammad Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah can be part of the playing XI with Akash Deep. Bumrah is the vice-captain, so only a Siraj or Akash will surely get a chance. Among the spinners, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja are confirmed as part of the playing XI.
Team India’s expected XI for the fifth Test is Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar/Devdutt Padikkal, Ravindra Jadeja, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper), Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj/ Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah.