Former all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has made a bold selection call for India’s playing XI ahead of the fourth Test against England, set to begin on Wednesday, July 23, at Old Trafford in Manchester. With India focusing on strengthening their batting lineup, Ashwin suggests promoting Washington Sundar to bat at No. 3.
This unconventional move could also make room for Kuldeep Yadav in the side, with Ashwin backing the spinner to operate effectively as a fourth seamer.
“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‘. (10:02)
Ashwin admitted that playing Kuldeep might affect India’s batting depth but called him a valuable option worth trying with the series at stake. He believes Kuldeep can serve as a fourth seamer, especially in the second innings. On the No. 3 spot, Ashwin backed Karun Nair to retain his place.
“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. 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 said. (15:14)
Ashwin Highlights Concerns About India’s Extended Batting Lineup
India suffered a major setback as all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been ruled out for the rest of the series. Ravichandran Ashwin believes the team is likely to opt for a like-for-like replacement by bringing back Shardul Thakur to preserve batting depth. Shardul featured in the first Test at Headingley but was dropped thereafter.
“I am worried that we might extend our batting again. Think the like-for-like replacement of Nitish Kumar Reddy is Shardul, play Shardul. I have a suspicion that Shardul will play in place of Nitish,” he reckoned. (13:48)
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