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With Rishabh Pant gradually resuming wicketkeeping duties and showing significant improvement behind the stumps, the Indian team management now faces an intriguing decision regarding the No. 3 slot in the batting order. There are three realistic options under consideration — each reflecting a different tactical approach.
The first is to continue backing Karun Nair, who has been given a consistent run in the series despite modest returns. The team’s loyalty to Nair seems rooted in his past pedigree and recent domestic form, though questions remain about his ability to convert starts and anchor innings in challenging conditions.
The second option hinges on Pant’s fitness. If the team decides to manage Pant’s workload by relieving him of wicketkeeping responsibilities, Dhruv Jurel could be brought in as a specialist keeper. In that case, Pant could play purely as a batter — possibly slotting in at No. 3 — or lower down the order, depending on the team balance.
The third — and perhaps most intriguing — choice would be to try something new by handing the slot to Sai Sudharsan. The young left-hander has impressed with his temperament and consistency in domestic cricket and the IPL. His solid technique and ability to build an innings could bring much-needed stability to a fragile top order.
Yet, there continues to be little support for Abhimanyu Easwaran, despite the mountain of runs he has piled up in domestic cricket and on India A tours over the years. Time and again, Easwaran has proven his credentials with consistent performances across formats, in both home and overseas conditions — but the national call-up remains elusive.
His exclusion, especially at a time when India is struggling to find solidity in the top order, raises serious questions about the selection process. It’s perhaps time for a re-evaluation of how the playing XI is decided. In many other cricketing nations, selectors play a more active role in finalizing the team — ensuring a broader, merit-based perspective. In contrast, the Indian setup continues to give the final word to the coach and captain, which can sometimes lead to preferences overtaking performance.
Easwaran’s case is a classic example of talent waiting patiently at the doorstep while others, often with less weight behind their numbers, get a longer rope. If domestic performances are to be the pathway to national selection, then ignoring someone like Easwaran undermines that very structure.
Similarly, the continued exclusion of Kuldeep Yadav — despite his status as a proven match-winner — speaks volumes about the current approach to selecting the playing XI. Kuldeep has consistently delivered breakthroughs in conditions where others have struggled, and his ability to turn games with subtle variations and control makes him a genuine asset, especially in a long series where variety is crucial.
As things stand, with Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar likely to form the core of India’s bowling attack, there are still two slots up for grabs. One of them could go to Shardul Thakur, whose batting ability gives him an edge as a utility player. The final spot may come down to a toss-up between Kuldeep Yadav and Prasidh Krishna.
On paper, Kuldeep offers something no one else in the squad does — a wrist-spinner who can operate in both defensive and attacking roles. Prasidh, on the other hand, brings raw pace and bounce but hasn’t had the same impact in the Test format. The decision could ultimately hinge on pitch conditions at Old Trafford and whether the team management is willing to break its pattern of conservative selections.
It’s a problem of plenty. the choices and alternatives including balance of squad would always be under scrutiny especially being the Indian Team .A squad strength is also reflected by its bench strength .Performance is no doubt the best aggregator but at same time having selected in the playing eleven and squad once opportunities should be given keeping in mind short and long run and not just on few failures .If one has been selected back that player till the time possible under the circumstances to come good and then the hard decision to let go after being convinced that no longer fitting in the scheme of things if that’s the case
to me Easwaran should play at No 3..if top order not filled woth proper test batsman & in form batsman then whats the use of test cricket & whats the use of Domestic cricket performance then?
All states must feel good
This looks motto of bcci