Former India coach's big call on India's playing XI for 5th Test, says 'Anshul Kamboj won't get another chance'

Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has predicted that India will drop pacer Anshul Kamboj for the final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England, which begins on July 31 at The Oval.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir recently stated that all the pacers are “fit” which could make it difficult for Kamboj to retain his place in the playing XI.

Kamboj, who made his Test debut in the last match at Manchester, managed to pick up just one wicket. Concerns were raised about his pace and match fitness, as he appeared to have been slightly rushed into action after being called up from India as an emergency replacement when both Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh suffered injuries. Now that the duo has recovered, they are expected to compete for the available spots.

“From tomorrow evening onwards, they’ll begin planning for the next match," JioHotstar expert Bangar said on ‘Match Centre Live’.

“One thing is certain — the designated wicketkeeper will return. I don’t think Anshul Kamboj will get another opportunity this time, especially with all the frontline fast bowlers reportedly fit. Arshdeep Singh is also available as an option. So, which bowling combination they choose becomes a tricky decision."

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With Rishabh Pant injured and ruled out of the fifth Test, it is now almost certain that Dhruv Jurel will take up wicketkeeping duties and feature in the playing XI. Pant suffered a toe fracture at Old Trafford while attempting a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes.

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The 52- year-old further added that the other selection question lies in choosing between the attacking spin option of Kuldeep Yadav or the safer all-round choice of Shardul Thakur. While Thakur has played two Tests, Kuldeep is yet to feature in the series.

“Now that Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja have more or less secured their places, Akash Deep could come back into the equation. You also need to slot in the wicketkeeper, which locks in seven positions already. The big call is — who plays at No. 8? Do they go with Kuldeep Yadav or bring back Shardul Thakur? That’s the decision Gautam and Shubman will have to make."