India to bring back Sai Sudarshan and Shardul Thakur for 4th Test against England
Karun Nair is likely to be dropped after struggling at No. 3 in the last two Tests, averaging 21.83 in this series. Thakur will replace the injured Nitish Reddy while Anshul Kamboj, a new fast bowler, will replace Akash Deep.
This means India will have six bowling options: Shardul Thakur, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar as all-rounders and specialist fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Kamboj.
fThakur’s inclusion will strengthen India’s lower order batting and seam bowling options. Journalist Sandeep Dwivedi from The Indian Express reported his return after he was left out of the first Test. Earlier, captain Shubman Gill had said they would stick with the same players. He said, “We think Karun is batting well… Sometimes it’s about getting that click. Once you make your 50, you get back in your zone.”
But Thakur’s better record in England (10 wickets at 49.8) and ability to score important runs probably swayed the decision for this must-win game.
Haryana seamer Anshul Kamboj is set to play his first Test after Akash Deep’s injury. The 24-year-old, known for his bounce and seam movement, was brought in as cover after doing well on India A tours. Shubman Gill also mentioned in a recent press conference that he’s very close to playing in the series.
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Kamboj’s inclusion comes after he’s been in good form. He’s often been praised for his performances in domestic cricket and recently played well for India A, taking 5 wickets in two matches against England Lions.
Nair has been supported for the first three Tests but his scores haven’t been impressive. Nair’s inconsistent scores (0, 20, 31, 26, 40, 14) might cost him his place and Sudarshan could take over.Sudarshan’s practice and warm-up sessions on the pitch indicate he will play, despite Gill’s earlier backing for Nair. He was dropped after Leeds for team balance and now will play at No. 3.
