London : As India prepares for the fifth and final Test against England at The Oval, former India captain Sourav Ganguly has issued a direct piece of advice to current head coach Gautam Gambhir: pick Kuldeep Yadav for the decider.
Ganguly, speaking in a recent interview, stressed the need for India to sharpen its bowling attack if they are to level the series. England currently leads 2-1 after four matches, with the fourth Test at Old Trafford ending in a draw thanks to resilient batting performances by India.
Ganguly Backs Kuldeep Yadav For Decisive Clash
“Kuldeep Yadav must play at The Oval,” Ganguly stated emphatically. “He brings a different angle and control, and he could be crucial on a surface that might offer some turn late in the match.”
The left-arm wrist-spinner has been in and out of the playing XI despite recent strong performances, and Ganguly’s call signals a vote of confidence in Kuldeep’s match-winning potential.
Strong Batting, But Bowling Needs Reinforcement
India’s batting resurgence in the fourth Test earned praise from Ganguly, but he believes the team has not always fielded the most balanced bowling combination.
“We’ve batted really well on this tour,” he noted. “Now, the key is to support that with the right bowling attack. If we get the bowling right at The Oval, we can win.”
Praise For Pant, Jadeja, And Sundar
Ganguly also lauded individual efforts from Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar. Despite Pant being ruled out of the fifth Test due to a foot fracture, Ganguly commended his performances on the tour, calling him “a very good Test player who has batted superbly.”
Jadeja and Sundar were credited with crucial contributions during the fourth Test that helped India escape with a draw.
Patience With Youth: Ganguly On Team Evolution
Acknowledging that this is a transitional phase for Indian cricket, Ganguly stressed the need to allow the young squad time to mature.
“This is a young team. We need to give them time. They’ve shown promise, and it’s about getting the combinations right.”
Series Decider: All Eyes On The Oval
Match: 5th Test, England vs India
Venue: The Oval, London
Dates: July 31 to August 4, 2025
Series Standing: England leads 2-1
As India fights to square the series, the spotlight now shifts to Gambhir’s team selection. Whether he heeds Ganguly’s advice to bring Kuldeep Yadav into the XI could be a pivotal factor in India’s hopes of a comeback.
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