- July 30, 2025
There’s something unforgettable about that last Test in a gripping series. The location: The Oval. The score: England 2, India 1. One last push, one last chance to level the scores or to consider what might have been. With that last Test on the horizon, Parthiv Patel, now more of an analyst than a player, has stirred things up a little with his nippy and spicy predictions. From picking India’s X factor to the one player he identified as the one to look out for – Parthiv has made his comments more than just idle chatter. So, we broke it down.
Spin Secrets: Jadeja and Sundar’s Web Ready to Trap England
Parthiv believes the oval pitch holds a secret weapon — drift and bounce, tailor-made for spinners who know how to use it. His pick for India’s X-factor? Either Ravindra Jadeja or Washington Sundar. And you know what? He might be onto something. Both these all-rounders were instrumental in pulling India out of the trenches during the fourth Test, each slamming centuries and frustrating England with their calm and class.
At The Oval, where spinners can find bite in the surface if the sun’s out and the pitch starts wearing, India’s best shot at leveling the series could lie in how well Jadeja and Sundar perform with the ball. They’ll not just need to control the flow — they’ll need to strike when it matters.
Gills in Gear — The Storm Starts with Silence
Among all the glittering predictions, Parthiv gave a solid thumbs up to Shubman Gill as the “player to watch out for.” And rightly so. Gill’s knock in the fourth Test wasn’t just stylish — it was serious business. The man has found a rhythm, and more importantly, he’s figured out how to convert starts in overseas conditions.
The Oval pitch traditionally offers value for stroke-makers — think cover drives, pick-up pulls, and clean punches through point. That’s Shubman’s playground. If India is to build a platform big enough to threaten England, Gill has to be the sheet anchor, the artist, and the aggressor — all in one. Parthiv’s pick here is less about hope and more about confidence.
The Kuldeep Yadav Dilemma: Time for an Attacking Spin Gamble?
Now this is where Parthiv gets interesting — and slightly controversial. With Bumrah’s fitness still under a cloud (and his drop in pace during the last Test raising eyebrows), India might need to rethink their bowling makeup. Parthiv’s take? Bring in Kuldeep Yadav. Not just because he’s fresh, but because he’s different.
Kuldeep, the wrist-spinner who’s been benched all series, offers something Jadeja and Sundar don’t — attacking flair. He turns the ball both ways, tempts batters, and creates chances. At The Oval, where wickets must be earned and not gifted, a bowler who can make things happen is crucial.
Let it sink in: Jadeja and Sundar are masters at putting a lid on things when the heat is on. Kuldeep could be the game-changer. It’s a classic control + chaos combo. And that’s exactly what you need when the series is on the line.
Whether Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma gamble with Kuldeep, or stick to the safer route, remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure — this Test isn’t just about skill. It’s about strategy, nerve, and that little bit of magic that only comes when a team believes.
Do you think Kuldeep should finally get his chance, or should India play it safe with the tried and tested? Drop your thoughts below — it’s going to be one hell of a finish.
