Gill requires 11 more runs to break Gavaskar’s record of most runs (732) by an Indian captain in a Test series, set against West Indies in 1978-79.
The 25-year-old captain has scored four centuries in the series, including a double hundred and a crucial match-saving 103 in the previous Test at Old Trafford.
K L Rahul has been consistent with 511 runs at the top of the order, while more contributions are expected from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan on The Oval’s batting-friendly surface.
Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja are likely to complete the top six batting lineup following their unbeaten centuries in the fourth Test.
Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak explained the team’s strategy regarding the bowling combination: “Overall, if you play with 6 bowlers, then some bowlers will under-bowl. So, if that 6th bowler is an all-rounder, then you know that he will contribute in batting and in bowling as well.”
Kuldeep Yadav might miss out again as India maintains its preference for batting depth through to number eight. Dhruv Jurel will keep wickets and bat at seven, while Shardul Thakur is likely to retain his position at number eight.
Akash Deep is expected to replace Jasprit Bumrah, who has been advised rest. Mohammed Siraj will lead the bowling attack, with either Prasidh Krishna or Arshdeep Singh competing for the third pacer’s spot.
The Oval pitch, which recently saw Surrey score over 800 runs in a County game, will play a crucial role in the series finale.
England Playing XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (c), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue.
India squad: Shubman Gill (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Kuldeep Yadav, Anshul Kamboj, Arshdeep Singh, N Jagadeesan (WK).
