This lineup balances youth and experience while adapting to the Manchester pitch, which traditionally starts out favoring seamers but opens up for spinners later in the game.
India’s Likely XI for 4th Test: India’s about to play the 4th Test against England at Old Trafford, and, well, they’re probably going to be without two of their main guys, Bumrah and Pant. Bumrah’s out because, honestly, the guy’s been bowling his back off and no one wants a repeat of his old injury drama. No one’s put out an official “he’s benched” tweet yet, but Shubman Gill pretty much let the cat out of the bag with that “You’ll know soon” line.
Jasprit Bumrah and Rishabh Pant Set to Miss the 4th Test?
Pant’s situation? He messed up his finger in the last Test at Lord’s. The scans didn’t show anything wild, but he was definitely wincing every time the ball came anywhere near him. If they’re smart, they’ll let him sit this one out. Dhruv Jurel’s waiting in the wings, and honestly, the kid’s got ice in his veins. Looked solid the few times he’s been given a shot.
India’s Likely XI for 4th Test: Who Are the Likely Replacements?
1. Sai Sudharsan to Replace Karun Nair
Karun’s been, how do I put this politely, meh. Just 131 runs at 21.8? Not impressive. Time to give Sai Sudharsan a proper run. The guy’s already shown he can handle the pressure, and he’s got a decent range of shots. Plus, he actually knows how to rotate the strike.
2. Kuldeep Yadav Back in Business
Old Trafford does this thing where it’s all about the seamers at first, but later on, it gets real spin-friendly. Kuldeep’s wrist-spin is the perfect wildcard here. Jadeja will love having a partner who can actually turn the ball both ways. If Kuldeep gets going, partnerships are gonna crumble, trust me.
3. Arshdeep Singh Likely to Make His Test Debut
With Bumrah likely sipping Gatorade on the sidelines and Siraj probably needing a breather, Arshdeep’s got a real shot at debuting. Left-arm pace, swings both ways, and he’s been sharp in the nets. Plus, English conditions are made for this kind of bowler.
India’s Likely XI for 4th Test
Taking into account form, fitness, and pitch conditions, here is India’s probable XI for the 4th Test:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Sai Sudharsan
- Shubman Gill (Captain)
- Rishabh Pant / Dhruv Jurel (Wicketkeeper)
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Nitish Reddy / Washington Sundar
- Arshdeep Singh
- Mohammed Siraj
- Akash Deep / Bumrah (if fit)
This lineup balances youth and experience while adapting to the Manchester pitch, which traditionally starts out favoring seamers but opens up for spinners later in the game.
Strategic Insights: Why These Changes Matter?
Sudharsan could finally plug that top-order leak, Jurel brings some fresh energy behind the stumps, and Kuldeep means England’s not going to get comfy against spin. Arshdeep’s debut could be spicy too imagine him hooping it around corners against the English openers.
We’ll know the final combo at the toss, but it’s looking like India’s going for some bold moves resting heroes, backing the new guys, and finally mixing it up tactically. If they actually pull the trigger on these changes, England might be in for a nasty surprise. Could be just what India needs to swing the series back their way.