India Asked to Support Young Players in 4th Test Against England

India is currently 1-2 behind in the ongoing Test series against England and with only two matches remaining the pressure is building. Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta has stepped forward with a valuable proposal that can see the team make a comeback. He feels that India can think of making only one significant adjustment to the playing eleven for the fourth Test at Old Trafford. In his view Karun Nair can be replaced by young left-hander B Sai Sudharsan for the remaining series.

Karun Nair who returned to the Test team after a gap of eight years has not made any strong impression as yet. In the three games he has played he has scored only 131 runs. More significantly he is the sole top four Indian and English batter who hasn't scored even a solitary half-century in the whole Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series. Although he has been able to get his innings started he hasn't been able to convert those into massive totals. Most viewers believe that he has appeared nervous and awkward at the crease and hasn't exhibited the rhythm required at this level of cricket.

Sai Sudharsan, on the other hand, is regarded as a bright young player. He debuted in Test cricket at Leeds where he scored 30 in one innings but didn't score in the second. Even amidst that little chance he gave indications of his ability and temperament. Post that opening game he was excluded as India included Washington Sundar in the next two matches. But with the team in need of a strong top-order batsman to enhance the batting unit this might be the ideal time to let Sudharsan get a full run.

Deep Dasgupta clarified that in Test cricket it is generally not preferred to make so many changes during the middle of a series. However, if India were to do one then it should be in number three position. In his opinion Karun Nair has gotten his opportunity now it's time to focus on the future and invest in a player like Sai Sudharsan who can be a long-term asset for the team. He further stated that as India is already behind in the series this is the perfect time to develop a young batter under tough English conditions which will be a valuable experience for the future.

Dasgupta's argument also leads us to a larger context. India may not play another Test series in England for some time after this series so if the team is looking at the long term then it is the ideal time to acclimatize Sudharsan to English conditions and pressure situations. Providing a young player with experience in these conditions at the moment could reward them well in overseas tours in the future. He feels that if India is considering assembling a powerful squad for the next cycle of the World Test Championship then taking a risk on Sudharsan is well worth it.

The fourth Test match will be played at Manchester's Old Trafford from July 23. It's a game of survival for India if they wish to draw the series prior to the final Test that will be hosted by The Oval in London from July 31 to August 4. Shubman Gill, who is the skipper of the team during this series, is facing immense pressure to take the right decisions both with respect to strategy and team selection. This is where voices such as Dasgupta's might be useful. He and most people feel that the injection of new energy and faith in youngsters like Sai Sudharsan may be the catalyst that can get India back into the series.

Karun Nair without doubt has talent. He once hit a triple hundred in Test cricket which is a rare achievement. But cricket is a game of performance and form. Currently he is finding it hard to get his touch. His body language on the crease has not been confidence-inspiring and he has not been able to score the sort of innings that can change a match. In such a high-pressure series as this every spot in the batting order matters. India cannot tolerate having players who are not giving consistent performances.

Sai Sudharsan is renowned for his calmness and sharp technique. Although he is still very much a newcomer to the world stage many pundits think that he has the temperament to deal with pressure. Despite being left on the sidelines after only one Test his cameo performance was promising. He played some good shots and seemed more at ease than some others at the crease. This strengthens the argument for allowing him a full match and letting him play with the series hanging in the balance.

Supporters and commentators have already begun debating this potential alteration. With the fourth Test only days off all eyes will be turned to the team management and captain Shubman Gill to observe whether they will make this big move. The ultimate call could also be subject to pitch conditions and other variables but if India really wants to turn the tables in this series it could require more than experience and hope. It could require hunger and new motivation.

With the Oval Test still pending this is also potentially a two-Test trial for Sai Sudharsan. If he plays well in Manchester it might solidify his place in the team and lead to avenues for ongoing selection. It would also provide more options for the selectors and coaches in the future particularly when considering the next overseas tours.

Ultimately the concept is straightforward. When a player is out of form and not performing it is usually wiser to experiment with someone new who can develop. Deep Dasgupta's counsel is a reflection of this plain reality. This has nothing to do with ostracizing experience and everything to do with establishing the correct balance between current requirements and potential futures. India has two games remaining in a challenging series and every decision counts. Selecting to support a young and talented batter such as Sai Sudharsan against the out-of-form Karun Nair may prove to be the game-altering choice the team is in need of at this juncture.