India Likely to Replace Karun Nair, India is expected to bring back Sai Sudharsan at No. 3 for the crucial fourth Test at Manchester, with Karun Nair likely to be dropped. This marks the second time in the series that the team has reshuffled their one-drop position. But in the next two Tests, Sudharsan was dropped and Nair took over the crucial one-drop position.
With Nair failing to make a strong impact, the team management now appears set to revert to Sudharsan in hopes of solidifying the top order. The other two changes in India’s playing XI for the Manchester Test are likely to be injury-enforced.
With Akash Deep ruled out, Haryana pacer Anshul Kamboj is expected to make his Test debut. Along with Sudharsan’s potential return, India appears set to make key changes for the must-win fourth Test.
India likely to stick with six-bowler formula for Manchester Test, as seen in previous games.
The all-rounders — Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Shardul Thakur — provide crucial depth in both departments, while the pace attack will be spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, with debutant Anshul Kamboj likely joining them as the third specialist seamer.
This combination offers balance and flexibility as India look to strengthen both their bowling firepower and lower-order batting. Meanwhile, on the eve of the match at Old Trafford, Sai Sudharsan gave strong indications of a return to the playing XI. Despite the pitch being under covers, the Tamil Nadu left-hander was seen going through his visualisation routines.
India Likely to Replace Karun Nair, he meticulously walked around the 22-yard strip, taking time to observe the greenish-brown surface, a clear sign that he is mentally preparing for a key role in the upcoming Test. Sai Sudharsan, who played just one Test in the series, scored 0 and 30 before being left out due to team combination decisions.
His place in the XI was taken by spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar, as India opted for greater bowling depth. Karun Nair struggles to impress at No. 3 in Sudharsan’s absence. His scores on the tour — 0, 20, 31, 26, 40, and 14 — reflect inconsistent form, prompting the team management to consider reverting to Sudharsan for the crucial fourth Test.
Interestingly, Indian captain Shubman Gill had earlier suggested that the team might stick with Karun Nair for the Manchester Test. Shubman Gill Defends Nair’s Struggles, Cites Batting Position Shift. But I don’t think there’s been any issue with his batting. Sometimes it’s also about getting that click, you know.
Once you’re able to make your 50, then you’re able to get back into your zone and get some big runs.
India Likely to Replace Karun Nair, unfortunately, that hasn’t happened for him so far.” His comments indicated the management’s backing for Nair, even as pressure mounts due to his modest returns.
It raises the question of whether captain Shubman Gill had a rethink after getting a closer look at the pitch—something he did well after addressing the media. His initial backing of Karun Nair suggested continuity, but with the surface showing signs of offering assistance to bowlers, the team management may have opted to strengthen their bowling arsenal.
Given that this is virtually a must-win game for India, the decision to bring in an extra bowling option—potentially at the expense of a specialist batter—seems to reflect a tactical shift focused on securing 20 wickets, a necessity to force a result in their favour.
At his noon press conference, Shubman Gill suggested that the Manchester pitch would offer bounce and speed—conditions that could aid the bowlers. Shastri Believes Manchester Surface Might Assist Bowlers. If the weather is not that hot…” However, local assessments painted a starkly different picture.
Veteran English cricketer and commentator David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd dismissed the idea of a lively surface, stating bluntly, “Very, very flat. David Lloyd dismisses lively pitch talk: “No pace, no grass.” Michael Vaughan echoes, saying Old Trafford has lost its zip after pitch realignment. The contrasting views added to the uncertainty around team selection and strategy.