Gautam Gambhir to Make 3 Big Changes for Manchester Test: Sai Sudharsan Likely to Return
📅 Match Preview: India vs England – 4th Test, Manchester
As the highly anticipated 4th Test between India and England kicks off in Manchester on Wednesday, reports indicate that Team India will undergo three major changes in the playing XI. Head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill are planning these moves to address injuries and enhance the team’s performance.
🔄 Confirmed Injury Replacements
1️⃣ Akash Deep has been ruled out of the Test due to injury. Rising pacer Anshul Kamboj is set to make his Test debut in his place, bringing fresh energy to India’s bowling attack.
2️⃣ Nitish Kumar Reddy, the promising pace-bowling all-rounder, is also unavailable for selection due to injury. In his absence, Shardul Thakur is likely to return to the team, filling the all-rounder role.
🎯 Unforced Tactical Change: Sai Sudharsan in the Spotlight
The third change is likely to be a strategic decision rather than injury-related. Reports suggest that B Sai Sudharsan may make a comeback to the playing XI. The Tamil Nadu left-hander was dropped after a modest outing in the first Test at Leeds but appears to have impressed the team management with his determination during practice sessions — even conducting shadow drills under covers when rain interrupted the nets.
However, his possible return raises questions about who will make way.
❓ Who Might Be Dropped?
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Karun Nair, who has scored 0, 20, 31, 26, 40, and 14 in the series, could be under pressure. Though captain Gill defended him in the pre-match press conference, stating:
“He’s batting well and just needs one big innings to regain rhythm.”
his place is not guaranteed. -
Alternatively, Washington Sundar could be dropped if India chooses to strengthen the batting line-up.
✅ India’s Likely Playing XI vs England (4th Test, Manchester):
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Karun Nair/Sai Sudharsan, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar/Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Anshul Kamboj
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