India vs England: Top Performers from Previous 3 Tests to Watch in 5th Test

As the 5th Test of the India Tour of England 2025 approaches (starting July 31 at The Oval), it’s crucial to review the key players shaping this series. With England leading 2–1, the final Test promises drama, momentum swings, and standout individual battles.

Leading Run-Scorers & Batting Stars

Shubman Gill (India)

• 607 runs from six innings across the first three Tests—most in the series so far, including a high of 269 at Edgbaston
   
• Gill also followed up with a 161-run innings, making him the second-highest single-innings scorer in the series
   
• A young captain who leads from the front, he’ll be key to India’s hopes of a comeback at The Oval.
   

Rishabh Pant (India)

• Scored 479 runs with two centuries (best 134), making him second in the series tally
   
• Although sidelined due to injury, his prior performances have left a huge gap to fill.
   

Jamie Smith (England)

• Scored 415 runs including a high of 184 at Lord’s*, averaging over 100 in the series
   
• A classically structured keeper-batter and key to England’s middle order stability.
   

KL Rahul & Joe Root (India & England)

• KL Rahul amassed 511 runs, including a top score of 137, in consistent form throughout
   
• Joe Root crossed 150 at Old Trafford, becoming the second-highest run-scorer in Test history and leading England’s line-up
   

Bowling Leaders & Impact Spells

Ben Stokes (England)

• Leading wicket-taker with 17 wickets in the series at an average around 25, including a historic five-wicket haul at Old Trafford, plus a century (141 runs)
   
• Became the first English captain to score a century and take five wickets in the same Test
   
• A number of breakthrough spells have kept England in tight contests and changed the momentum of matches.
   

Jasprit Bumrah & Mohammed Siraj (India)

• The spearhead duo has produced crucial breakthroughs. In the third Test, Bumrah claimed 5/74, while Siraj and debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy helped tighten the bowling attack
   

Other Bowlers to Watch

• Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon have led wicket charts in broader WTC context; India rely on their seam and spin support
   

Other Standout Performers

Harry Brook (England)

• Scored a knock of 158 at Edgbaston and has remained a consistent force in the middle order

Washington Sundar & Ravindra Jadeja (India)

• Both scored centuries in a dramatic effort to save the fourth Test at Old Trafford—Sundar (101) and Jadeja (107)** helped India reach 425/4 and secure a draw
   

Zak Crawley (England)

• Praised Ben Stokes’ match-changing role after Crawley’s 84 in an opening stand of 166, plus Stokes’ 5-wicket haul defined the fourth Test
   

What to Watch in the 5th Test

Aspect	What to Observe
Form & Fitness	Can Stokes maintain form amid injury?
India’s Replacement Options	Who replaces Pant with similar impact?
England's Spin Utility	Will Lyon or Woakes step up again?
Batter Depth	Gill’s consistency vs Smith’s solidity
Handling Pressure	Outcomes through resilience in key innings

Fantasy Picks & Prediction

• Shubman Gill – Reliable run-maker and captain on form
   
• Ben Stokes – All-round value—bowling breakthroughs and batting anchor
   
• Joe Root / Jamie Smith – Middle-order stalwarts for stability
   
• Rishabh Pant Replacement – Watch who fills the gap, possibly Jagadeesan or Jurel
   

Final Word

The 5th Test at The Oval isn’t just a decider—it’s the ultimate performance pressure test. With England leading 2–1, each side carries momentum and vulnerabilities into the final match. 

Gill’s batting form, Stokes’ leadership, and India’s resilience without Pant make this an even contest. Expect high-stakes drama, turning points, and elite Test cricket at full throttle.