Karun Nair axed again from Team India

India will take on England in the fourth Test, set to begin on Wednesday, July 23, at Old Trafford in Manchester. The visitors have played competitive cricket throughout the tour but trail 1-2 in the series. Shubman Gill and his team will need to deliver a top-notch performance to keep their hopes alive in the contest.

India are dealing with injuries ahead of the fourth Test against England. Nitish Kumar Reddy has been ruled out of the match due to a knee injury. Arshdeep Singh is also unavailable, while Akash Deep remains doubtful after picking up a groin strain. Anshul Kamboj has been added to the squad as cover.

Sai Sudharsan Likely to Replace Karun Nair for Manchester Test

According to Indian Express, India are set to make a key change in their batting lineup, with Sai Sudharsan likely to replace Karun Nair at No. 3. Sudharsan played at No. 3 in the first Test, while Karun Nair batted at No. 6. However, in the second and third Tests, Sudharsan was left out and Nair moved up to No. 3.

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Karun Nair, who made a comeback to the Test side after eight years, has shown glimpses of form but has not capitalized on his starts. He has scored just 131 runs in six innings at an average of 21.83.

On the other hand, Sudharsan, who made his debut in the series opener, scored 0 and 30 in that match before being dropped. He might now be given another opportunity in place of Nair.

Anshul Kamboj and Shardul Thakur Likely to Return to Playing XI

The report further added that India is set to make two forced changes to their bowling lineup. Anshul Kamboj is likely to be brought in for Akash Deep, while Shardul Thakur is set to replace the injured Nitish Reddy.

India will continue with a six-bowler strategy, as seen at Lord’s and Birmingham. Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Shardul Thakur will provide all-round options, while the pace attack will be led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.

The third seamer's spot will be a choice between Kamboj and Prasidh Krishna. Kamboj, who has impressed during practice sessions, is being considered for a Test debut. The seamer has picked up 79 wickets in 24 first-class games at an average of 22.88, including one 10-wicket haul in an innings.

We Think Karun Nair Is Batting Well - Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill had stated that Karun Nair might retain his place for the Manchester Test. Gill said that Karun had been in good touch and added that he batted out of position in the first Test. The skipper said that Nair is just one big score away from regaining form.

“We think Karun is batting well. The first match he didn’t really play at his number (batted at 6). It’s difficult when a player is making a comeback in a series like this, you know. But I don’t think there’s been any issue with his batting," Gill said.

"Sometimes it’s also about getting that click, you know. Once you’re able to make your 50, then you’re able to get back into your zone and get some big runs. Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened for him so far,” he added.

Also read: Washington Sundar to be India's new number 3 in Tests!! Gautam Gambhir gets wild post card