Former all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin made a bold suggestion for India’s playing XI ahead of the fourth Test against England, set to commence on July 23 at Old Trafford. Ashwin stated that Washington Sundar should be promoted to the No. 3 spot if the team management has a lot of faith in his batting.
India are likely to make changes to their playing XI due to multiple injury concerns. Nitish Kumar Reddy has been ruled out of the remainder of the series, while Akash Deep is doubtful after sustaining a groin injury. He underwent a fitness test on Tuesday, closely monitored by the team’s physio and support staff.
Anshul Kamboj Might Make His Test Debut for India in Manchester Test
Anshul Kamboj, recently added to the main squad, could be handed a debut if needed. India might pick Prasidh Krishna despite his disappointing outings in the first two Tests.
Reddy’s absence creates a void in India’s lower-middle order, as he contributed with both bat and ball. The team had the batting depth with spin all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, but that advantage could be lost in Manchester, where India have never won in nine previous Tests.
Shardul Thakur, who featured in the first Test, is also in contention to replace Reddy. However, his batting lacks consistency, and he will need to perform more effectively with the ball if selected. England currently leads the five-match series 2-1.
Send Washington Sundar at No. 3 and Play Kuldeep Yadav – Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin said that promoting Washington Sundar to No. 3 could create room for Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI. He added that Kuldeep can be picked instead of a fourth seamer, allowing India to strengthen their spin attack without compromising too much on team balance.
“If you have a lot of faith on Washington Sundar’s batting send him at No.3 and play Kuldeep Yadav. You bring Sai Sudharsan for Karun Nair or send Sundar. I would say play Washington, Jadeja is also there, then play Sai or Dhruv Jurel, go with one less specialist bowler and back your spinner. The fourth fast bowler role, play that with Kuldeep,” he said on his YouTube channel ‘Ash ki Baat’.
Washington Sundar took four wickets in England’s second innings at Lord’s. He also etched his name in the record books, surpassing Srinivas Venkataraghavan (4/52) to become the Indian off-spinner with the best bowling figures in a Test innings at the iconic venue.
Karun Nair Should Have Played at No. 3 Right Away – Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin said that including Kuldeep Yadav might weaken India’s batting depth but added that the wrist-spinner is a valuable asset. He also questioned the decision to play Sai Sudharsan at No. 3 in the opening Test if he wasn’t seen as a long-term option.
“If you don’t look at Sai Sudharsan as your No.3 or an opener, then there was no need to play him at that position in the first Test. If you wanted Karun, he should have played at No.3 right away,” Ashwin continued.
“You played him at three and removed him and the next two Tests Karun has batted there. Karun has looked elegant and solid till he got out. It did not look like he was hurried or under pressure. He will want to make a big score and seal his spot. I would dearly like to see him get all five Tests,” he added.
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