India Suffer Major Blow as Jasprit Bumrah Ruled Out of Final Test at The Oval

India's hopes of leveling the Test series against England have taken a serious hit as star pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the decisive fifth and final Test at The Oval. With the series currently level, India must win the last match to avoid defeat — a draw or loss would hand the series to England.

According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to rest Bumrah for the final match as a precautionary measure due to concerns over his back. The medical team advised the 30-year-old pacer to sit out with long-term fitness in mind.

Bumrah played in the first Test at Headingley, was rested for the second, and returned for both the third Test at Lord’s and the fourth in Manchester. This means he has already featured in three of the four matches on the tour.

In his absence, 26-year-old fast bowler Akash Deep is likely to return to the XI. Akash was one of the standout performers in India’s win at Edgbaston earlier in the series. Although he struggled to make an impact at Lord’s, the pace-friendly surface at The Oval could suit his bowling style.

Missing Bumrah in a must-win clash is undoubtedly a setback for India, but the return of Akash Deep offers some hope, especially considering his ability to exploit helpful conditions.

The fifth Test at The Oval begins on July 31, 2025 — a virtual final that will decide the fate of this hard-fought series.