IND vs ENG 5th Test: Why is Jasprit Bumrah not playing the decisive match at The Oval?

As India prepare for the fifth and final Test against England at The Oval, there’s one big name missing from the playing XI in Jasprit Bumrah . The star fast bowler, who has played a key role in India’s performances this series, has been left out as part of a pre-planned workload management strategy.

Bumrah had agreed to feature in only three matches in the five-Test series, and with that commitment complete, the management has chosen to rest him for the final game. Head coach Gautam Gambhir had clearly stated earlier that Bumrah would not play the entire series, keeping in mind the need to manage his body and fitness through a packed calendar.

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With Bumrah rested, Prasidh Krishna has come into the playing XI. India have made four changes in total. Akash Deep has replaced Anshul Kamboj, Karun Nair has come in for Shardul Thakur, and Dhruv Jurel takes the gloves in place of the injured Rishabh Pant.


On the other side, England are also without their captain Ben Stokes, which sets the stage for a fascinating clash despite weather concerns. Rain is expected to have a major impact, and with England leading 2-1, India will be hoping for a strong performance to level the series.

Bumrah’s absence is a blow, but the team will be aiming to rally for one final push with the resources at hand. His rest reflects a longer-term view on player management, even as the stakes remain high at The Oval.

India (Playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill(c), Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel(w), Washington Sundar, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj

England (Playing XI): Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope(c), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith(w), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue