Sai Sudarshan vs Abhimanyu Easwaran: Number 3 expected in Manchester Test, who among the two will bring new life to the team?

India vs England 4th Test: Strategy Shift in Manchester, New Playing XI Could Spark a Comeback

The fourth match of the five-Test Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy will begin on July 23, 2025, at Old Trafford in Manchester. After a narrow 22-run defeat at Lord’s, Team India trails 1–2 in the series. For this crucial match, India’s management is expected to make several strategic changes.

Lessons from the Lord’s Defeat

India’s batting lineup collapsed in the third Test, especially in the second innings. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Karun Nair, and captain Shubman Gill fell cheaply, failing to build the required partnerships.

Karun Nair’s Spot at Risk

Karun Nair has struggled consistently, scoring just 131 runs across six innings this series at an average of 21.83. His irresponsible shot in Lord’s second innings added pressure on the team. It’s widely believed he may be dropped for the next Test.

Sai Sudharsan vs Abhimanyu Easwaran for the Slot

Replacing Karun Nair, two young contenders stand out: Sai Sudharsan and Abhimanyu Easwaran.

Sai Sudharsan made his debut in the Headingley Test. He was dismissed for a duck in the first innings, but made a valuable 30 off 48 balls in the second, providing some relief to the team. Experts suggest he’s a solid option at No. 3. With good IPL pedigree, his inclusion seems natural for the Manchester Test.

Abhimanyu Easwaran has an impressive domestic record in the Ranji Trophy and Duleep Trophy. In 101 first-class matches, he has amassed 7,674 runs, including 27 centuries, at an average of 48.87. He has also led India-A, bringing leadership experience. Many advocate giving him a chance in the Test team.

India’s management must decide which player—Sudharsan, who scores quickly, or Easwaran, who builds steady innings—will better fit the Manchester conditions and balance the batting unit.

Eyes on Rishabh Pant’s Fitness

Rishabh Pant was injured at Lord’s and batted without keeping. Captain Shubman Gill has expressed optimism that Pant will recover in time. If not, KS Bharat could take over wicketkeeping duties.

Will Jasprit Bumrah Rest?

Jasprit Bumrah has been brilliant so far, but considering his workload, the team may rest him. If so, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh might make his Test debut, adding variety to the attack.

Possible Return of Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep Yadav could be preferred over Washington Sundar. His spin could be a valuable asset, especially if the pitch starts turning in the later stages of the match.

Probable Indian Playing XI

• KL Rahul
• Yashasvi Jaiswal
• Sai Sudharsan / Abhimanyu Easwaran
• Shubman Gill (Captain)
• Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper)
• Ravindra Jadeja
• Nitish Reddy
• Kuldeep Yadav
• Arshdeep Singh / Jasprit Bumrah
• Mohammed Siraj
• Prasidh Krishna / Washington Sundar

Do-or-Die for Team India

This Test is a do-or-die scenario for India. A loss could hand the series to England; a win would level the series and set up a decisive contest in the final Test at The Oval.

With Ben Stokes-led England buoyed by a narrow 22‑run win at Lord’s, they now lead 2–1 and hold all the momentum . Jofra Archer’s return to form, claiming five wickets, and England’s tactical bowling—especially with Stokes and Archer making key breakthroughs—has amplified the pressure on India . Meanwhile, former India captain Ajinkya Rahane identified middle-order lapses and the absence of a solid anchor as key reasons for the collapse at Lord’s .

India must regroup under captain Shubman Gill, whose leadership and top-order centuries across the series have been bright spots . However, persistent vulnerabilities in the middle order—especially after Javade’s collapse at 170 chasing 193—could again pose problems if not addressed . To regain control, India needs a cohesive combination of strategic batting partnerships, rotation in the bowling unit, and fielding discipline.

Conclusion

Significant changes in India’s playing XI are likely in Manchester: Karun Nair may be replaced by Sudharsan or Easwaran, and Bumrah could be rested in favor of Arshdeep. All eyes will be on Pant’s fitness and Gill’s captaincy as India looks to rebalance and bounce back.

Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar recently advocated for Easwaran at No. 3, suggesting he could provide the solidity India needs at the top in challenging English conditions

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