IND vs ENG: Confusion over India’s probable playing XI and selection for the fourth Test
IND vs ENG: The host team, England Cricket Team, are leading 2-1 in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy between India and England. Now, Indian Cricket Team need to win the fourth Test starting on July 23 at Old Trafford in Manchester at all costs. However, preparing a combination according to recent performances, injuries, and conditions is a big challenge for the team management.
IND vs ENG: Things to consider for Indian Cricket Team at Manchester
First of all, talking about the opening pair of the Indian Cricket Team for the IND vs ENG fourth Test, the pair of Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul should remain intact. Jaiswal is adept at giving an aggressive start, while Rahul’s technical understanding comes in handy in English conditions. However, there is a big question at number three.
Karun Nair, who returned after eight years in the ongoing IND vs ENG Test series, has not been able to prove himself yet. This is clear from his scores in the series – 0, 20, 31, 26, 40 and 14. After his LBW dismissal in the Lord’s Test, where he misjudged an incoming delivery in the second innings, the discussion has intensified that now Sai Sudarshan should be given a chance. Sai’s restrained batting style and left-handed option can give a new direction to the team. Moreover, he played in the first Test at Headingley and showed promise in the second innings, after getting out for a duck in the first.
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Shubman Gill will bat at number four as captain. Ravindra Jadeja’s place is almost certain after his heroics at the IND vs ENG Lord’s Test match. However, the picture is not clear about the wicketkeeping spot. Rishabh Pant’s fitness is in doubt after the finger injury at Lord’s. If he does not play, Dhruv Jurel can wear the gloves. Jurel’s domestic performance has been good, and he can also contribute with the bat, as has been seen in the home series against England in 2024. However, Pant’s absence will be a big blow for India.
Nitish Kumar Reddy may get a chance again in the IND vs ENG fourth Test as an all-rounder. His bat has been silent after the century in Melbourne, but the utility of a fast-bowling all-rounder increases on a pitch like Old Trafford. On the other hand, Washington Sundar’s off-spin and lower-order batting give more balance to the team than Kuldeep Yadav. Kuldeep’s wrist spin may not be as effective in the seaming conditions, and his batting ability can yet again put him behind Sundar.
Jasprit Bumrah‘s participation in the IND vs ENG fourth Test is still doubtful. If he is rested, Arshdeep Singh may get a chance. His left-arm bowling brings variety. Mohammad Siraj and Akash Deep are already part of the team and will take responsibility with the new ball. However, as this is the all-important Test match for India, we would like to see Bumrah in the playing XI, as the Test is after an eight-day gap.
India’s records at Old Trafford, Manchester are not right as well
Old records are also not in India’s favor. India have played nine Tests at Old Trafford so far, losing four and drawing five. In such a situation, the team has to decide whether to play safe with an extra batsman or bring depth in bowling. In the presence of Sundar, the team can go with an extra fast bowler.
The playing XI of this Test will not just be the combination, but the basis of the team’s hope of a comeback in the series. If the decisions are right, India can tie 2-2. But if there is a mistake in selection, the series will slip out of hand.
Probable Playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh/Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Series Status | England lead 2-1 in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy |
| Match Details | 4th Test, starts July 23, Old Trafford, Manchester |
| Match Importance | Must-win game for India to level series 2-2 |
| Opening Pair | Yashasvi Jaiswal – aggressive starter, KL Rahul – technically strong in English conditions |
| No. 3 Conundrum | Karun Nair – inconsistent (scores: 0, 20, 31, 26, 40, 14); Sai Sudharsan – calm left-hander, played 1st Test, did well in 2nd innings |
| Captain & No. 4 | Shubman Gill |
| All-rounder & No. 5 | Ravindra Jadeja – automatic pick after Lord’s heroics |
| Wicketkeeping Doubt | Rishabh Pant – doubtful due to finger injury, Dhruv Jurel – strong domestic form, decent series vs ENG in 2024 |
| All-rounder Option | Nitish Kumar Reddy – fast-bowling all-rounder, good for Old Trafford surface ; Washington Sundar – better balance than Kuldeep |
| Spin vs Seam Balance | ❌ Kuldeep Yadav may miss out due to seaming conditions and weaker batting Sundar preferred for balance |
| Pace Attack Concerns | ❓ Jasprit Bumrah – uncertain (rest possibility) Mohammed Siraj – key new ball bowler Akash Deep – likely to retain place |
| Bowling Variety | Arshdeep Singh – left-arm pace, may replace Bumrah if needed |
| Venue Record | India at Old Trafford: 9 Tests, 4 losses, 5 draws – no wins |
| Selection Dilemma | Extra batsman for safety OR extra bowler for depth – Sundar enables both options |
| Probable Playing XI | Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Gill (c), Jadeja, Jurel (wk), Nitish Reddy, Sundar, Akash Deep, Arshdeep/Bumrah, Siraj |
| Key Decisions That Matter | No. 3 pick (Karun vs Sai), Wicketkeeper (Pant vs Jurel), Bowling combo (Kuldeep vs Sundar, Bumrah fitness) |
| Outcome Impact | Correct XI could level series 2-2Poor selection could hand series win to England |
