Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta believes young left-hander Sai Sudharsan must come in place for the struggling Karun Nair in the fourth Test against England at Manchester, starting July 23. After three competitive Tests, India are 1-2, coming off a heartbreaking 22-run loss in the third Test at Lord’s as well.

Talking about the changes India can do for the all-important fourth Test, Dasgupta said on Star Sports: “Won’t be too many changes in the playing 11. Probably one, if any, and that is Sai Sudharsan for Karun Nair. It’s not like Karun Nair hasn’t made runs; he has got starts but hasn’t made big runs. I believe he hasn’t looked as comfortable. Karun Nair has got starts in both Tests at No. 3, but he hasn’t looked convincing.”

READ HERE: “The reality is I was tired” – Jasprit Bumrah on not celebrating five-fer

“Secondly, Sai Sudharsan has age on his side. He is a young player and will gain experience playing in England, and for the future, better to invest in a young player. If you have to invest, rather invest in a younger lad like Sai Sudharsan because after this, you don’t know when you will play in England. So, when you get two Tests, invest in Sai Sudharsan,” he further added.

Deep Dasgupta also urged the Indian management to play veteran speedster Jasprit Bumrah in the must-win fourth Test despite the pre-series workload management plans.

“Jasprit Bumrah in the fourth Test, absolutely yes. I’ve heard rumors that the plan for him was to play in the first, third and fifth Tests. But now, when India are 1-2 behind, the fourth Test becomes very, very crucial. You would definitely want the world’s best bowler to play. There is an eight-day gap between the two Tests. It remains to be seen whether the fifth Test is still relevant after the fourth Test, but the relevance of the fourth Test is considerable,” concluded Deep Dasgupta.