India vs England 4th test: Sai Sudharsan Returns as Karun Nair Faces the Axe for Manchester Test

Sai Sudharsan Set to Replace Karun Nair in India vs England 4th test

India is expected to pull the trigger on a major decision in their fourth Test match against England at Manchester by replacing Karun Nair with Sai Sudharsan in the No. 3 slot. This will be the second batting order change in India’s top order in this competitive Test series.

Sudharsan opened the batting for the first Test match at Leeds, but was replaced by Nair for the next two Test matches. When it matters most, it looks like the selectors have decided to shift back to the left-handed player from Tamil Nadu. Nair has not yet been able to convert starts into substantial runs and could well miss out.

Karun Nair’s Unsteady Streak Could End His Voyage

Karun Nair’s performances on this tour have not been encouraging: 0, 20, 31, 26, 40, 14. Yes, India captain Shubman Gill had the confidence to call him technically correct in a press conference, but the absence of a big score is probably enough for the selectors to be able to go elsewhere, especially on a surface that could make it hard for the runs to flow.

“I mean, sometimes it’s also about getting that click. When you get a 50 you can try and get yourself into that zone,” Gill had said.

Still, with the Manchester Test essentially a must win, India might prefer to go for something fresh – and Sudharsan is definitely fresh.

Team Changes: India vs England 4th test

Besides a possible change in the batting order, India will have to make two injury-related substitutions.

• Anshul Kamboj, the fast bowler from Haryana, is expected to replace Akash Deep.
• Shardul Thakur is likely to come in for Nitish Reddy.

India’s bowling lineup will once again have six options, following the pattern seen at Lord’s and Birmingham. The probable attack includes:

• Pacers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Anshul Kamboj
• All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur

Pre-match images at Old Trafford showcased Sai Sudharsan performing focused visualisation drills. You could see him walking the 22-yards and looking up and down at the greeny brown surface – just about as visualisation could go and indicators he would play XI.

Sudharsan, in his only outing this series scored 0 and 30 before being relegated after a tactical change. His coming back would give the middle order balance and left-right options.

Bringing Sai Sudharsan back and choosing a stronger bowling lineup shows how eager India is to win. With the series possibly at stake, the selectors are relying on young talent and fresh energy.

Whether Sudharsan makes the most of this chance or not, his inclusion adds excitement and hope. As the players take the field at Old Trafford, fans will be watching closely to see if these choices pay off.