Irfan Pathan opens up on India’s playing 11 changes for ENG vs IND 2025 5th Test

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan feels the Indian fast bowlers would be tired ahead of the fifth Test match against England and thus the visitors must play Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI. Pathan noted that Dhruv Jurel will replace Rishabh Pant, who suffered a fractured toe at Old Trafford.

Pathan highlighted that either Arshdeep Singh or Prasidh Krishna can replace Anshul Kamboj. The former left-hander said it would be easier for Arshdeep Singh to make his debut and he might not find it as difficult as Kamboj did in his maiden game.

On the other hand, Krishna could only take six wickets in the first two Test matches of the series at an average of 55.17.

“I feel Jurel will come in place of Pant. He will bat there. Kuldeep in place of Bumrah. And for Anshul Kamboj, I feel either Arshdeep, do you make him debut? Kamboj debuted and there was lot of pressure on him. But Arshdeep is still different. He is a regular in white-ball and has the wicket-taking ability. It will be comparatively easy for him to debut.

“Will they look at Prasidh? either one of them. So you have six bowling options. The pacers will be tired. Then use Kuldeep, new and fresh. Bring in your trump card for the final match and level the series,” Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube channel.

On the other hand, Washington Sundar scored an unbeaten knock of 101 runs in the second innings against England at Old Trafford while batting at number five. Pathan showered praise on Sundar for his versatility in the batting order.

“Sundar plays at 7,8,9 and suddenly comes at 5 and makes runs. Since he has come into the team he has been like a boon in batting and bowling. He has given that depth which has made a big difference. It looks like he can fix a spot at 5 or 6 going forward. It is a very big positive in that sense,” he said. 

The fifth and final Test match between England and India will be played at the Kennington Oval, London, from 31st July onwards.