Is Kuldeep Yadav playing today's ENG vs IND 2025 5th Test?

India left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav is not playing the fifth and final Test of the ongoing series against England. The game is being played at The Oval, beginning Thursday, July 31. Notably, Kuldeep hasn't played any Test in the series.

With India looking to add depth to their batting, the likes of Shardul Thakur and Nitish Kumar Reddy were preferred over Kuldeep up until now. Whereas, now, the conditions at the Oval do not seem conducive for a wrist-spinner.

The overcast conditions on Day 1 and a green top could have played on the mind of the Indian management as they decided against selecting Kuldeep. Several former cricketers and experts had called for his inclusion in the XI. India continue to play the two spin all-rounders in Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar.

India have made four changes to the team for the fifth Test. These include Dhruv Jurel coming in for the injured Rishabh Pant, Karun Nair for Shardul Thakur, Prasidh Krishna for Jasprit Bumrah, and Akash Deep for Anshul Kamboj.

---

Kuldeep Yadav's Test record against England

Kuldeep Yadav has an impressive record against England in Tests, but only one of those games have come away from home. During England's tour of India in 2024, the wrist-spinner bagged 19 wickets from four matches at an average of 20.15 with a five-wicket haul as well.

English batters have historically struggled against spin and wrist-spin in particular, which he took advantage of. Overall, he has played six Tests against England, taking 21 wickets at an average of 22.28.

His only Test in England came during the 2018 tour at Lord's, where he went wicketless. Nonetheless, given the hosts' struggles against spin and conditions on offer, Kuldeep is always an attacking choice.

Overall, the 30-year-old has played 13 Tests, and has picked up 56 wickets from 24 innings at an average of 22.16 with four five-wicket hauls. Having last played a Test against New Zealand at home in 2024, Kuldeep still waits for an opportunity to play again in the longer format.