All-rounder Shardul Thakur is strongly tipped to make a comeback into India’s playing XI for the crucial fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, Manchester starting Wednesday, July 23, 2025. In a bid to strengthen both batting and bowling, the selectors are reportedly set to make key changes following India’s recent setbacks.
Team Changes on the Cards
Likely Inclusions:
- Sai Sudarshan: Expected to regain the No. 3 batting slot, replacing Karun Nair, who has struggled in the series with just 131 runs at an average of 21.83.
- Shardul Thakur: Poised to return to the XI as an all-rounder, filling the gap left by the injured Nitish Reddy.
- Anshul Kamboj: The 24-year-old Haryana seamer is in line for a Test debut after Akash Deep’s injury. Known for bounce and seam movement, Kamboj impressed recently for India A and on domestic circuits.
Likely Dropped:
- Karun Nair: After a string of inconsistent scores in his comeback (0, 20, 31, 26, 40, 14), Nair is expected to make way for Sudarshan.
- Nitish Reddy and Akash Deep: Both sidelined due to injuries.
Probable Indian XI for 4th Test
| Batting Order | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shubman Gill (c) | Opening batter |
| 2 | Pratika Rawal | Opening batter |
| 3 | Sai Sudarshan | Top order batter |
| 4 | Harleen Deol | Middle order batter |
| 5 | Harmanpreet Kaur | Middle order batter |
| 6 | Richa Ghosh (wk) | Wicketkeeper |
| 7 | Ravindra Jadeja | All-rounder |
| 8 | Shardul Thakur | All-rounder |
| 9 | Washington Sundar | All-rounder |
| 10 | Jasprit Bumrah | Fast bowler |
| 11 | Mohammad Siraj / Kamboj | Fast bowler |
Note: Final XI and roles may vary slightly based on team strategy.
Why Thakur’s Inclusion Is Key
- Batting Depth: Thakur adds crucial runs at the tail, helping offset India’s tendency to collapse in English conditions.
- Seam-Bowling Utility: In English conditions, Thakur’s record – 10 wickets at a strike rate of 49.8 – makes him a valuable seam-bowling asset.
- Team Balance: With three specialist all-rounders (Thakur, Jadeja, Sundar), India can deploy up to six bowlers if needed.
Kamboj’s Test Debut on the Horizon
- Anshul Kamboj may finally get his Test debut after impressing for India A, particularly with a five-wicket haul in two matches against England Lions.
- His bounce and ability to move the ball could prove pivotal, especially with Akash Deep injured and conditions at Old Trafford suiting seamers.
Sudarshan vs Nair: A Tactical Switch
- Karun Nair, despite initial support from skipper Shubman Gill, has failed to convert starts and is set to be replaced by the in-form Sai Sudarshan.
- Sudarshan’s focused preparations and recent form have reportedly tipped selection in his favour for the must-win Test.
India’s selection for the 4th Test reflects a strategic mix of experience and fresh faces, aiming to address shortcomings from earlier matches. The must-win nature of the contest, conditions at Old Trafford, and a desire for greater batting depth point strongly to Shardul Thakur’s return, Sudarshan’s recall, and Kamboj’s possible debut in Manchester.
