IND vs ENG 4th Test: India will face a stern challenge as they gear up for the fourth Test of the five-match series against England at Old Trafford, Manchester – a venue where India have never tasted Test victory.
With the series finely poised at 2-1 in the favour of the home side, the visitors will be eyeing a comeback despite being bogged down by injury setbacks.
The Indian squad has been hit with multiple concerns ahead of the fixture. Star pacer Akash Deep is reportedly out with a back issue, while Nitish Reddy (knee injury) and Arshdeep Singh (thumb injury) have officially been ruled out of the series and the upcoming Test, respectively. In response, the BCCI has flown in right-arm pacer Anshul Kamboj, who is expected to make his Test debut in Manchester.
Rishabh Pant, who injured his finger during England’s first innings in the previous Test, is fit to bat but uncertain to keep wickets. Dhruv Jurel, who filled in as wicketkeeper, might retain that role. If Pant is unable to don the gloves, both he and Dhruv could feature in the playing XI, which would impact the team combination.
Karun Nair, after a disappointing run with the bat – just 131 runs from six innings – is likely to be left out. Sai Sudharsan could step in at No. 3 if Pant keeps wickets. If not, Dhruv Jurel might be promoted up the order.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul are expected to continue as openers. Jaiswal began the series strongly with a hundred and an 87 but had a forgettable third Test. Shubman Gill, now leading the side, will bat at No. 4.
With Nitish Reddy’s absence, Kuldeep Yadav may finally get a chance to play, adding variety alongside Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar in the spin department. The pace attack will be spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, with debutant Anshul Kamboj completing the attack.
India’s Predicted XI for 4th Test: Shubman Gill (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant/Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Anshul Kamboj, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj.