Sanjay Manjrekar suggests 2 changes to India’s playing XI for Old Trafford Test against England

Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar has suggested two changes to India’s playing XI for the fourth Test match against England. Manjrekar reckons India should make one change to their fast bowling attack. The cricketer-turned-commentator feels Kuldeep Yadav would have replaced Washington Sundar if the off-spinner had not picked four wickets in the second innings of the third Test match at Lord’s.

Sundar had returned with figures of 4-18 and accounted for Ben Stokes, Joe Root, Jamie Smith and Shoaib Bashir. Meanwhile, Kuldeep has scalped 56 wickets in 13 Test matches at an impressive average of 22.16. Against England, Kuldeep has bagged 21 wickets in six Test matches at an impressive average of 22.28 but he is yet to get a game in this series.

“If you think hardcore and want to win, you have to think if you have that bowling attack. Bumrah is there. The others are there. But how long will you keep Kuldeep Yadav out? It seems difficult to get him in. So I see a change in the seam attack. I am very harsh here because we have a lot of seam talent that is fresh and ready to go. Bring them in. We have seen Akash Deep before. He does well and then looks flat fast. Is this his bowling character?” Sanjay Manjrekar said on Star Sports. 

Manjrekar highlighted that there could be a temptation to play Prasidh Krishna as he can extract bounce on Old Trafford’s pitch but said he would back Arshdeep Singh to make his debut. Krishna had played the first two Test matches but proved ineffective and costly.

“Getting Prasidh Krishna in at Old Trafford can be a temptation. There is pace and bounce there. Prasidh has played till now. He is a difficult bowler to control as he gives runs even though he takes wickets. If Arshdeep is the favorite, they can also try him. One selection here and there will not define victory or defeat. That pressure should be taken off. Arshdeep can be a temptation too. I would still lean towards a fresh fast bowler,” he stated. 

On the other hand, Manjrekar backed Sai Sudharsan to replace Karun Nair at one drop but believes the team’s think tank would stick with the latter.

“KL Rahul and Jaiswal are my openers. I would bring Sai Sudharsan, but maybe the team management will stick with Karun. Gill at four, Pant at five. I feel Nitish Kumar Reddy at six, play him there, and make him a batting all-rounder. Jadeja at seven. If Sundar would not pick four wickets, I would slip in Kuldeep but Sundar at eight. Bumrah, Siraj, and I would want to go with Arshdeep,” he said. 

The fourth Test match between England and India will be played at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, from July 23 onwards.