India heads into the final Test against England at The Oval with significant momentum, but the absence of Rishabh Pant looms large. Following a dramatic draw at Manchester, Shubman Gill's young side is eager to level the series, but they face a tough challenge against the English side.
The momentum India carries is undeniable. In the fourth Test at Manchester, Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja's impressive centuries helped India secure a draw. This resilience, coupled with the consistent performances of Shubman Gill and KL Rahul, has boosted the team's confidence. The bowling unit, even in the potential absence of Jasprit Bumrah, has shown the ability to perform as a disciplined unit. Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep are expected to shoulder the responsibility if Bumrah is rested, and expectations are high given their past performances.
However, Rishabh Pant's absence due to a fractured foot is a major setback. Pant sustained the injury during the fourth Test while attempting a reverse sweep, and scans revealed a fracture that will likely keep him out for six to eight weeks. This not only weakens India's batting lineup but also deprives them of a key wicket-keeping option. Pant has been a crucial performer in the series, scoring 462 runs at an impressive average. His ability to build partnerships and accelerate scoring in the lower middle order will be sorely missed. Former England captain Michael Vaughan suggested that Pant's absence could give England a 25% advantage in the fourth Test.
Dhruv Jurel is expected to replace Pant as the wicketkeeper-batter. While Jurel is a capable player, filling Pant's shoes will be a tall order. Pant's aggressive batting style and valuable contributions with the gloves have been instrumental to India's success. The team will need to rework their strategy to compensate for his absence.
Despite Pant's injury, India has several factors working in their favor. England will be without their captain Ben Stokes due to a shoulder injury. Stokes' absence is a significant blow for England, as he has been their most impactful bowler and a leader in difficult situations. Additionally, the pitch at The Oval is expected to favor seamers, which could give India's pace attack an edge.
The selection of the playing XI is crucial for India. The availability of Jasprit Bumrah is still uncertain, and the team management will assess his workload and the pitch conditions before making a final decision. If Bumrah is rested, Arshdeep Singh could make his Test debut. However, Kuldeep Yadav's chances of playing are uncertain, as the conditions may not heavily favor spin.
India's recent form and the momentum they have gained make them a formidable opponent. The team won the Champions Trophy earlier in the year and has a good blend of experienced and young players. Shubman Gill has been in excellent form, and the likes of KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja have also made significant contributions.
Overall, India has a good chance of leveling the series against England. However, they will need to overcome the setback of Rishabh Pant's absence and make the right decisions with their team selection. The team's resilience, combined with their strong batting and bowling lineup, gives them the edge. The final Test promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams determined to finish the series on a high.
