India’s playing XI for the final Test at The Oval surprised a few fans and experts alike, especially with the absence of left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh.
Former opener Aakash Chopra has now reacted to the team selection and pointed out a possible reason behind Arshdeep not making it into the squad for this crucial match in London.
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The fifth and final match of the England vs India Test series began on July 31 and the visitors wrapped up Day 1 at 204/6.
Why did Arshdeep Singh miss out on selection for the Oval Test?
Aakash Chopra said that Arshdeep may have been unavailable due to a hand injury.
While speaking on his YouTube channel, the former cricketer mentioned that Arshdeep's absence from the squad wasn’t entirely unexpected once the news about his cut injury came out.
"There was no place for Arshdeep, and it's been heard that his cut is not yet healed. So he was perhaps not available for selection," Chopra said
India brought in Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep instead, both of whom had been part of the larger squad and were seen in the nets.
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"We were saying that Karun Nair should be played, and he has been played. Prasidh Krishna has been given a chance. Akash Deep has returned," he added.
What changes did India make for the 5th Test and how did the new players perform?
India made four changes to their XI for the Oval Test. Karun Nair, Dhruv Jurel, Akash Deep, and Prasidh Krishna came in for Rishabh Pant, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, and Anshul Kamboj.
The inclusion of Karun Nair, who has experience and stability as a batter, was expected, especially with Pant being unavailable.
"Not playing Shardul Thakur, I think, was the right decision. Playing Karun Nair is also a right decision because if Rishabh Pant isn't there, you need one more proper batter," said Chopra.
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On Day 1, Karun Nair proved his worth with a gritty unbeaten knock of 52 off 98 balls. Dhruv Jurel chipped in with 19 before getting dismissed.
Chopra also felt the Oval pitch didn’t favour a second spinner, which is likely why Kuldeep Yadav wasn’t included either.
"You probably weren't able to play Kuldeep Yadav because it's a pitch very unlike The Oval," he concluded.
He emphasized that India’s choices appeared to be based on both conditions. With a green-top pitch and overcast weather, the team chose an extra pacer.