Karun Nair Under Pressure Ahead of 4th Test; Sai Sudharsan Likely Replacement

Beckenham: Karun Nair’s return to Test cricket after eight years may be short-lived, as the 33-year-old batsman faces the heat following a string of unconverted starts on India’s ongoing tour of England. With the team trailing 1-2 in the five-match series, he may become the sole omission from the playing XI in the upcoming fourth Test at Old Trafford, starting July 23.

Nair, batting at No. 3, has shown glimpses of class, particularly with his cover drives, but has struggled against the rising ball and failed to cross the 50-run mark in his six innings so far. His dismissal in the second innings at Lord’s — misjudging a Brydon Carse delivery and getting trapped LBW — further exposed technical frailties.

Sai Sudharsan Could Return at Manchester

With the series on the line, the Indian team management is contemplating a change at the top order. Sai Sudharsan, the 23-year-old left-hander who debuted in Leeds but was dropped to accommodate an extra batter lower down, is tipped to replace Nair.

“Sudharsan didn’t do much wrong to be left out. He looked comfortable in his debut outing and is a long-term investment,” said Deep Dasgupta, former India wicketkeeper and current commentator. “Karun has looked patchy. At No. 3, you need to feel a sense of solidity — and that’s been missing.”

When Sudharsan played, Nair batted lower down the order, but the current team dynamics require a more dependable presence at first drop — a role Sudharsan is being groomed for.

Stability Likely Elsewhere in the XI

Apart from a possible change at No. 3, the rest of India’s lineup is expected to remain unchanged. Kuldeep Yadav will likely remain on the bench, with Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar continuing as the spin duo.

On the bowling front, Jasprit Bumrah — rested from one of the last two Tests — is expected to play at Manchester given the must-win situation. “This series isn’t just about the scoreline,” Dasgupta said. “It’s about the transition and development of this Indian side — and Bumrah leading the attack is part of that evolution.”

With Shubman Gill’s side showing fighting spirit throughout the series, the fourth Test promises to be another tightly contested battle as India looks to bounce back and level the series heading into the decider.

(The content is sourced from agencies and has not been edited by mtimes.co.in.)

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