Pacer Akash Deep has been ruled out of the Manchester Test due to a groin injury sustained during the previous match at Lord’s. In his absence, all eyes are now on Anshul Kamboj, the uncapped fast bowler from Haryana, who could earn his maiden Test cap on Wednesday
In the batting department, Karun Nair, who is yet to register a significant score in his comeback series, is expected to retain his place. Gill reiterated his faith in the right-hander, saying, “...but I don't think there has been, any issue with his (Karun's) batting, he has been batting well...we are hopeful, that he will be able to turn around."
Sai Sudharsan could also find his way back into the XI. The left-hander gave a strong hint of his involvement after being spotted doing shadow practice on the covered pitch during Tuesday’s session. If Sudharsan is included, he is likely to bat at No. 6, with Nair continuing at No. 3. The two had featured in the reverse positions during the opening Test.
Sudharsan may come in for the injured Nitish Kumar Reddy, and that change would force a decision between Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur for the all-rounder’s role in the XI.
Captain Shubman Gill confirmed on the eve of the match that the final decision on the third seamer will be between Kamboj and Prasidh Krishna. Kamboj, who joined the squad after Arshdeep Singh injured his hand during a practice session in Beckenham last week, had an extended net session on Monday, raising expectations around his selection
Gill was full of praise for Kamboj, stating that the youngster has the ability to win matches just like the injured Akash, who played a key role in India’s victory in the second Test at Birmingham, taking 10 wickets
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