IND vs ENG: Navjot Singh Sidhu predicts India's XI for crucial Manchester Test; calls Mohammed Siraj 'unsung hero'
NEW DELHI: As India gear up for a must-win fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu has weighed in with his predicted playing XI, calling for Sai Sudharsan's return and expressing doubts over Karun Nair's place in the side.
With India trailing 1-2 in the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, the team's selection decisions ahead of Wednesday's Test have become a major talking point — particularly in light of Nitish Reddy's injury and doubts over pacers Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh.
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On his YouTube channel, Sidhu endorsed a lineup that included Sudharsan, dropped after a modest debut (0 and 30) in the first Test, and left out since.
'Karun Nair is a promising cricketer, but his technical weakness has been exposed,' said Sidhu. 'When you think of winning, I ask — what is the fault of Sai Sudharsan?'
Did Sai Sudharsan confirm his India Playing XI spot on eve of the match?
He hailed Sudharsan's recent domestic and IPL form, saying, 'You have one of the most promising players in India. He's technically sound — low gravity, hand-eye coordination, and head over toe. Why shouldn't he be in the team?'
Sidhu's predicted India XI:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Anshul Kamboj.
He also showered praise on Mohammed Siraj, calling him the unsung hero of India's pace unit: 'Siraj has bowled over 900 overs since 2020.
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He's played 25 out of 27 overseas games. Controlled pace in England is key — and Siraj brings that in abundance.'
Meanwhile, skipper Shubman Gill backed Nair, saying: 'He didn't bat at his number in the first game. We've had conversations with him, and he will turn it around.'
Shubman Gill explosive press conference: Hits back at England and big revelation on India Playing XI
With the series on the line and India's middle order under the scanner, the final XI remains to be seen.
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