As India prepare for a must-win fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, significant changes are being mooted for the playing XI, with under-fire batter Karun Nair expected to make way for a young, promising talent. India currently trail 1-2 in the five-match series, making the Manchester encounter crucial for their hopes of levelling the “Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.”
Nair’s Struggles and the Call for Change
Karun Nair, who made a much-anticipated return to the Test side after an eight-year hiatus, has failed to make a substantial impact in the ongoing series. Despite getting starts in his six innings, scoring a total of 131 runs, he has been unable to convert them into big scores. His discomfort at the crease and his recent dismissal at Lord’s, where he shouldered arms to an incoming delivery, have raised questions about his form and judgment.
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta has been vocal in his suggestion for a change, stating that Nair “hasn’t looked that comfortable at the crease either” and that “Karun Nair has got starts in both Test matches, but he hasn’t looked that convincing.”
The 23-Year-Old Awaits: Sai Sudharsan’s Return Looms
The 23-year-old in contention to replace Karun Nair is B. Sai Sudharsan. Sudharsan made his Test debut in the first match of the series at Leeds, scoring 0 and 30. He was subsequently benched to accommodate an extra batting all-rounder in Washington Sundar for the Edgbaston and Lord’s Tests.
Dasgupta strongly advocates for investing in Sudharsan, particularly with an eye on the future. “Sai Sudharsan is a young player. If you want to invest in this England series, you’d rather invest in a younger player… If you’re looking to build ahead, you might as well invest in someone like Sai Sudharsan. Because after this, I don’t know when you’ll come back to a series in England. So when you have two Tests left, invest in Sai Sudharsan,” Dasgupta remarked.
India’s Must-Win Scenario and Future Investment
With India needing to win the fourth Test to keep the series alive, the team management faces a crucial decision. While sticking with experience might be a consideration, the general sentiment among former cricketers and pundits leans towards backing youth and looking to the future.
The Old Trafford pitch is known to offer assistance to spinners as the match progresses, and this might also factor into India’s overall team combination, with calls for the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav also being heard. However, the most immediate and impactful change is likely to be in the batting order, with Sai Sudharsan poised to step into Karun Nair’s shoes at number three.
The fourth Test is scheduled to begin on July 23 at Old Trafford, Manchester.
