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India’s Test series against England has reached a critical juncture, and the pressure is mounting ahead of the fourth match in Manchester. With the visitors trailing 1-2 in the five-match series, selection decisions are under scrutiny, especially at the top order. Former India wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta has called for a bold but strategic change, advocating the inclusion of young batter over Karun Nair in India’s playing XI.
Karun Nair’s struggles continue in Test cricket despite domestic heroics
Karun made headlines earlier this year with his remarkable comeback to the Indian Test team after an eight-year absence, built on a solid domestic campaign where he piled on runs in the Ranji Trophy. However, his return has failed to live up to expectations. In the three Tests he has played so far in the England series, Nair has managed only 131 runs, and notably remains the only top-four batter from either side who hasn’t scored a single half-century in the series.
While he has had decent starts in multiple innings, his inability to convert them into significant scores has hurt India’s stability at the crucial No. 3 position. What concerns many observers, including Dasgupta, is not just the numbers, but Nair’s lack of fluency and assurance at the crease. He has struggled particularly against deliveries rising awkwardly from a good length, exposing a technical vulnerability that has been consistently exploited by England’s seamers. Despite his front-foot solidity in patches, the lack of commanding innings has made it difficult for the team management to persist with him any longer.
Deep Dasgupta names ideal replacement for Karun for the ENG vs IND 4th Test
Dasgupta has openly endorsed Sai Sudharsan as the right candidate to replace Karun at No. 3 for the fourth Test in Manchester. The young left-hander, who made his debut in the first Test at Leeds, showed glimpses of promise by scoring 30 in one of the innings before being dropped in favour of an all-rounder. Though his debut wasn’t spectacular, Dasgupta believes Sudharsan showed enough maturity and temperament to warrant a longer rope.
According to Dasgupta, this England series is a rare opportunity to expose emerging players to high-pressure conditions. He argued that with only two Tests remaining, the team would benefit more by grooming a youngster than persisting with someone who has already had multiple chances but failed to deliver consistently. In a video for JioHotstar, Dasgupta emphasized that Sudharsan’s selection would not only be about form but also vision:.
“In the Playing XI, you don’t want more than one change. If there is only one, it would be replacing Karun Nair with Sai Sudharsan. Because Karun Nair hasn’t made any runs. He’s got starts, but hasn’t converted them into big scores. I also believe he doesn’t look that comfortable at the crease either. And secondly, Sai Sudharsan is a young player. If you want to invest in this England series, you’d rather invest in a younger player. Karun Nair has got starts in both Test matches, but he hasn’t looked that convincing. So, if you’re looking to build ahead, you might as well invest in someone like Sai Sudharsan. Because after this, I don’t know when you’ll come back to a series in England. So when you have two Tests left, invest in Sai Sudharsan,” Dasgupta said in a video for JioHotstar.
Manchester Test against England: Crucial for India’s comeback and Karun’s career
The fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, beginning July 23, could be a defining moment in India’s campaign, and potentially in Karun’s international future. With India trailing 1-2, this match is a do-or-die encounter to level the series before heading into the final Test at The Oval from July 31. Despite the loss at Lord’s, where India came close before faltering, Dasgupta feels that the series is still very much alive.
However, changes must be made if India is to take back control. The team’s leadership, under Shubman Gill, will be under the spotlight for tactical decisions, especially in terms of personnel and batting order. For Nair, this could well be a last opportunity to revive his international Test career, should the team management choose to back him one final time. Otherwise, it’s clear that the selectors might pivot toward a new generation, with Sai Sudharsan potentially leading the next wave of top-order Indian Test batters overseas.
Also READ: ENG vs IND: Dilip Vengsarkar suggests two bold changes in India’s bowling lineup for Manchester Test
