By themediahives 
Manchester, July 28, 2025 — Team India enters the fifth and final Test against England in a must-win situation after the fourth Test at Old Trafford ended in a gripping draw. With the series standing at 2-1 in England’s favor, the upcoming Test provides India a final opportunity to level the series and finish on a high.
Heroic performances from all-rounders Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja, who constructed a remarkable 203-run partnership, saved the fourth game for India after early setbacks. Sundar scored his maiden Test century (101)*, while Jadeja added yet another hundred to his name, cementing his status as a key pillar in the Indian lineup.
However, the team faces fresh challenges ahead of the Manchester Test:
•Rishabh Pant has been ruled out with a foot fracture. Narayan Jagadeesan replaces him as wicketkeeper.
•Pacer Akash Deep is unavailable due to injury, and Anshul Kamboj is set to potentially make his Test debut.
•The team management, including Head Coach Gautam Gambhir and Captain Shubman Gill, are weighing options between B Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair for a middle-order shake-up.
India’s white-ball dominance remains intact, following historic victories in the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy, adding confidence and depth to the squad even as Tests remain a longer-format challenge.
With pride, rankings, and a hard-fought series on the line, all eyes will be on Manchester as India battles to draw level with England in a thrilling conclusion to the tou