With India set to face England in a high-stakes, game-deciding fourth Test at Old Trafford, the team management will probably decide to rotate their playing XI depending on form, fatigue, and conditions. A few existing players have not been performing well, while some have worked overtime. As a result, they may now rest some players
1. Karun Nair
- Likely Replacement: Sai Sudharsan
- Reason: Nair hasn’t made a notable impact in the ongoing series, struggling to convert starts into big scores.
- Performance: If given a chance, he has failed to register a fifty or anchor the innings under pressure, raising questions over his consistency at the international level.
- Why Sai Sudharsan? The left-hander has been in excellent domestic and India A form and offers a technically sound top-order option. His temperament could provide the stability India is missing in the middle order.
2. Nitish Reddy
- Likely Replacement: Shardul Thakur
- Reason: Reddy’s opportunities have been limited, and he hasn’t been able to contribute significantly with bat or ball in the series. His inexperience at this level shows, especially under English conditions.
- Performance: He’s taken few wickets but failed to perform in comparison to the expectations everyone has from him and hasn’t made a meaningful contribution with the bat across his appearances.
- Why Shardul Thakur? Known as “Lord Thakur” for his clutch performances in England, Shardul brings experience, seam movement, and lower-order batting qualities that could be crucial on a lively Manchester pitch.
3. Mohammed Siraj
- Likely Replacement: Prasidh Krishna or Arshdeep Singh
- Reason: Siraj has bowled heavy spells across the first three Tests and could be rested for workload management.
- Performance: While he has taken a few wickets (including a three-wicket haul), he’s also leaked runs and looked fatigued at times. Overuse could risk injury.
- Why Krishna or Arshdeep?
- Prasidh Krishna offers bounce and pace, ideal for English surfaces.
- Arshdeep Singh, a left-arm seamer, adds variety and can swing the ball both ways, especially with the new ball.
Kuldeep Yadav Likely to Be Included
India is also planning to include Kuldeep Yadav in the squad. His left-arm wrist spin can be a potent weapon, especially as the Old Trafford pitch is known to assist spin later in the game. With the team struggling against spin at points during this series, it is possible that Kuldeep will be a match-winner if he is selected.
Final Word
The changes India is considering for the fourth Test would be a blend of tactical calls and due fitness management. With Sudharsan, Thakur, and either Krishna or Arshdeep on standby and the inclusion of Kuldeep likely, the team appears to be gearing themselves mentally to infuse freshness into the setup for closing this series strongly.
- Note: Final decision will depend on pitch reports, training sessions, and injury assessments.
Written by RITESH SINGH
