Several questions were raised when No 3 batter Karun Nair was replaced by Sai Sudharsan in the playing XI for the crucial 4th Test at Manchester in Old Trafford Cricket Ground. Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif slammed captain Shubman Gill for not siding with Nair and showing trust in the 33-year-old.IND vs ENG 4th Test Live ScoreWhile Sudharsan’s inclusion itself made headlines, the batter perplexed fans before coming on to bat. Viral videos on social media show the 23-year-old putting all his concentration to reading a book in the dugout. Sudharsan also called on the help of all-rounder Washington Sundar as he handed over the book to the latter.He was quickly called on to bat in the 2nd session after the wicket of KL Rahul, who walked back after a solid start, racking up 46 from 98 balls. He joined Yashasvi Jaiswal at the crease before he was dismissed by Liam Dawson – the spinner brought in for the injured Shoaib Bashir.Captain Shubman Gill too lost his wicket to an LBW to England skipper Ben Stokes. His 12 runs from 23 balls meant that the pressure of carrying India’s total to a significant number fell on Sudharsan and vice-captain Rishabh Pant. At tea, India were 149/3, as Sudharsan stood on 26 runs from 77 balls.
Earlier in the series, Sudharsan had gone viral for his monk-like focus as he hovered the Dukes ball in front of himself and stared right at it.
Poll
Do you agree with the decision to replace Karun Nair with Sai Sudharsan in the playing XI?
Debutant Anshul Kamboj and Shardul Thakur are the changes in the bowling line-up. Ahead of the game, both sides made it clear that they had no plans of backing down when it comes to aggression. India skipper Gill argued that England were the reason for tensions to spill over, while the English contingent remained firm on their stand that they do not plan to lay back and let India dictate play.
