Team India's Bowling & Batting Depth Bodes Amid IND vs ENG 2025 Test Series Well For Immediate Future

The hallmark of great Test teams is when incredible batting depth meets tremendous bowling depth and the two feed off each other covering almost all bases for a team.

A depleted India, despite missing their pace trump card Jasprit Bumrah and the retirements of greats like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, showed why they are one of the best teams in the format in world cricket today when nightwatchman Akash Deep punched above his weight slamming his maiden fifty on day three against the England bowlers.

Earlier in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series, Akash Deep had bagged a five-for in the second Test at Edgbaston and dedicated it to his sister who is battling cancer.

On Saturday, it was his turn to shine with the willow and he rose to the occasion to surprise not just the England bowlers but even the Indian dressing room where skipper Shubman Gill and star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja stood up to applaud his half-century. Deep's 66 off 94 balls comprising 12 fours was the impetus India needed during a critical passage of play when things could have easily gone haywire for them had England scalped some quick wickets in the first session.

𝐉𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐰𝐚𝐥 𝐝𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 🤩#YashasviJaiswal steals the show with a brilliant 118 off 164 balls, marking his 6th international Test century! A masterclass in skill and patience, the day’s undisputed performer! 💥🇮#ENGvIND 👉 5th TEST, DAY 3 | SUN, 3rd… pic.twitter.com/wJJc2kmMvn

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) August 2, 2025

What was heartening were some of the proper classical shots that he played with hits over the mid-wicket off Gus Atkinson and opening the full face of the bat against the same bowler for a boundary down the gully.
The knock has drawn appreciation from various quarters including from batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar who praised the efforts of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Deep.

"Outstanding 100 by Yashasvi on a sporting pitch that tested courage and concentration. Full marks to Akashdeep too, batting with heart and determination under pressure. Keep fighting, India."

Coming to the matter of balance in batting and bowling depth, Washington Sundar is evolving into a great find for India with an eye on the future.
When Dhruv Jurel's wicket fell with the team score on 323 and lead at 300, India appeared to be in danger of getting bowled out for below 350, but Sundar had other plans.

Washington Sundar uses his long levers while batting

Using his height, power and timing to good use, the Tamil Nadu all-rounder blasted four fours and as many maximums with a splendid knock of 53 off 46 balls at a strike rate of 115.21 that completely changed the complexion of the game.

Just when England felt they had a look-in, Sundar effectively thwarted any chance of a counter-attack.

SUNDAR DHULAI! 🤯

We were served a six-hitting special 👌 #SonySportsNetwork #ENGvIND #NayaIndia #DhaakadIndia #TeamIndia #ExtraaaInnings | @Sundarwashi5 pic.twitter.com/mNSZpCeesi

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) August 2, 2025

Although, this is a fairly young and inexperienced Indian attack, there are several positives India can draw from the series and Akash Deep and Washington Sundar are two among them.

The sheer resolve and heart shown by these two players in times of crisis for the team augurs well as head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Gill look to herald a new chapter for Indian cricket.