Karun Nair Dropped, 23‑Year‑Old Sudharsan In: India’s Bold Move for 4th Test vs England
With the Test series now 1–2 in England’s favour, India are reportedly tipping the scales with one straightforward change — replacing struggling No. 3 Karun Nair with the talented 23‑year‑old B Sai Sudharsan. Veteran voices like Deep Dasgupta are backing this, saying:
“If there is only one [change], it would be replacing Karun Nair with Sai Sudharsan. Because Karun Nair hasn’t made any runs”.
📊 Why Nair’s Spot Is Under Pressure
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Across six innings, Nair has 131 runs at just 21.8, with no conversion into big scores.
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His dismissal at Lord’s—leaving an unthreatening ball—sparked fresh doubts.
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Though Anil Kumble urges stability, others feel a bold shake‑up is due .
🎯 Why Sudharsan Makes Sense
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The left‑hander impressed on Test debut as India’s 317th player, a position once held by legends like Dravid and Kohli.
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Known for a polished technique, credit goes to his county stints for reinforcing his batting basics.
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Despite a debut duck at Headingley, he's viewed as a long‑term investment.
✅ Potential 4th Test XI (Manchester, July 23)
Position | Player |
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1 & 2 | Jaiswal, Gill |
3 | Sai Sudharsan (replaces Nair) |
4–5 | Gill, Pant |
6 | (Remaining lineup) |
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Jasprit Bumrah is expected to play, per coach Ryan ten Doeschate.
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Spinner Kuldeep Yadav might be on the radar, but current concern remains the middle order .
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Heading: India Make Bold Call: Nair Out, Sudharsan In for Do‑Or‑Die 4th Test
Intro:
As the series heats up 1–2, India are believed to be set for just one change: dropping Karun Nair and installing B Sai Sudharsan at No. 3. The 33‑year‑old Nair has shown glimpses but hasn’t capitalized, sparking calls for a fresh face to steady the middle order.
Why It Matters:
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A stable No. 3 is vital in swing‑friendly England. Nair's inconsistency and technical flaws make Sudharsan – with his county‑honed technique – an intriguing prospect.
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Deep Dasgupta endorsed the move: “If you’re investing in someone, a younger player like Sai fits the bill” .
About Sudharsan:
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Debut Test player, cap number 317, stepping into a historically significant slot.
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Developed a clean, adaptable game through county cricket, focusing on core batting skills.
Challenges & Upside:
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Debut duck notwithstanding, his temperament, strike rotate, and red‑ball adaptability make him a high‑upside addition.
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This is a calculated gamble that prioritizes future stability and confidence under pressure.
Bottom Line:
India are banking on Sudharsan’s potential to bring solidity to a fragile middle‑order. With one Test left to salvage the series, this bold yet balanced swap between experience and youthful promise could be the key to leveling the field at Manchester.
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