Shubman Gill 4th Test Changes Spark Bold Turnaround: 3 Big Moves Shake India-England Clash
Shubman Gill 4th Test Changes Spark Bold Turnaround: 3 Big Moves Shake India-England Clash
MANCHESTER, July 23, 2025 — In a decisive move ahead of the 4th Test between England and India at Old Trafford, Manchester, captain Shubman Gill announced three significant team changes that have stirred both excitement and speculation among cricket fans and experts alike. These Shubman Gill 4th Test changes include two injury-enforced replacements and one bold, form-based exclusion.
With India trailing in the high-intensity series, Gill’s decisions to reshuffle the squad have become the talk of the cricketing world. The most talked-about move is the exclusion of experienced batter Karun Nair, who has been replaced by promising youngster B Sai Sudharsan. The management’s rationale was clear: Nair’s inability to convert starts into big scores in the first three Tests had put pressure on the batting lineup.
Injuries to Akash Deep and Nitish Kumar Reddy have further forced India to bring in Anshul Kamboj and Shardul Thakur. The debut of Haryana pacer Kamboj, who also represents Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, is being closely watched as a potential game-changer.
⚔ Toss Drama: A Good Toss to Lose?
England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and, surprisingly, chose to bowl — marking his fourth consecutive toss win in the series. Despite history being against such a move (no team has won a Test match at Old Trafford after choosing to bowl first), Stokes justified the decision by citing “good overhead bowling conditions” and a “firm pitch with grass cover.”
But Shubman Gill appeared relieved. “I was confused whether to bat or bowl. It’s a good toss to lose,” Gill quipped. With gloomy weather and a traditionally strong batting surface, India might benefit from not having to make that tricky decision.
🚨 The Three Shubman Gill 4th Test Changes:
- Karun Nair OUT, Sai Sudharsan IN (Form-Based)
Karun Nair failed to cross 40 in the series and looked completely out of rhythm. At age 33, this exclusion raises serious questions about his future in the longest format. - Akash Deep OUT, Anshul Kamboj IN (Injury-Based)
Making his Test debut, Kamboj’s inclusion is a calculated risk. Comparisons to Indian bowling greats have already surfaced after his stellar domestic and IPL performances. - Nitish Kumar Reddy OUT, Shardul Thakur IN (Injury-Based)
Shardul brings in valuable all-round capabilities and big-match experience, something India hopes to capitalize on.
🇮🇳 India’s Playing XI (4th Test):
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Sai Sudharsan
- Shubman Gill (C)
- Rishabh Pant (W)
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Washington Sundar
- Shardul Thakur
- Anshul Kamboj
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
🏴 England’s Playing XI:
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- Ollie Pope
- Joe Root
- Harry Brook
- Ben Stokes (C)
- Jamie Smith (W)
- Liam Dawson
- Chris Woakes
- Brydon Carse
- Jofra Archer
England made just one change, bringing in Liam Dawson for Shoaib Bashir, who fractured his finger in the previous match.
💬 Reactions Pour In
Gill’s team selection has drawn mixed reactions. While some lauded his boldness, others feared the lack of experience might cost India. Cricketing legend Ravi Shastri said, “It’s a do-or-die game. These changes make sense. Give young guns a shot.”
On the other hand, former England captain Nasser Hussain remarked, “Brave calls by Gill. But you don’t win Test series with inexperience. It’ll be a stern test.”
🔍 Series So Far: What’s at Stake?
The series has been neck-and-neck, with each game going down to the final sessions. England currently leads the series, having won the third Test at Lord’s by 22 runs. With only two matches left, the Shubman Gill 4th Test changes might be India’s final roll of the dice to stay in contention.
🌧 Weather Watch
Manchester’s forecast remains unpredictable with intermittent rain expected throughout the five days. The conditions are likely to benefit bowlers early on, something England hopes to exploit.
⚖ Statistical Trends
- India has lost the toss in 14 consecutive men’s internationals — a staggering and unfortunate record.
- No team choosing to bowl first has ever won a Test at Old Trafford.
📌 FAQs: Shubman Gill 4th Test Changes
Q1. Who replaced Karun Nair in the 4th Test?
A1. Karun Nair was replaced by B Sai Sudharsan due to poor form.
Q2. Why was Anshul Kamboj included in the playing XI?
A2. Kamboj replaced injured pacer Akash Deep and made his Test debut.
Q3. How many changes did India make for the 4th Test?
A3. India made three changes—two forced by injury, one based on form.
Q4. Why did England bowl first at Old Trafford?
A4. Captain Ben Stokes cited favorable overhead conditions and pitch grass cover.
Q5. What is the current score in the India vs England series?
A5. England leads the series after winning the 3rd Test at Lord’s.
🔗 External References:
🎧 Breaking News Headlines
- Shubman Gill drops Karun Nair
- Anshul Kamboj gets Test debut
- England win toss again
- India make three bold changes
- Sai Sudharsan enters playing XI
For More News. Stay Tuned to Internet BuzzFeed