After impressing with an incredible victory at the Lord’s, Team India disappointed the fans with a dismal performance at Leeds. England defeated India by an innings and 76 runs in the third Test. With this, England has drawn level in the series. Meanwhile, Twitter has already started the discussion on India’s playing XI for the Oval Test. The fourth Test will start on September 2nd at the Oval in London.
India is likely to change its combination
Team India is likely to change its combination for the fourth Test. While batting was the issue in the third Test, the bowling was also not up to the mark. Virat Kohli and co. will also want to improve the balance of the XI by having an extra batsman or by including a bowling all-rounder at No.8.
Ishant Sharma could be dropped for the Oval Test
The Indian pace bowler was one of the poor performers in the third game. He went wicketless in the game and also looked tired. His position will be under scrutiny for the next match. Cheteshwar Pujara showed signs of a return to form in the second innings. Hence, he might get another chance. Ajinkya Rahane could also be given a longer rope by the management.
Twitter suggests India’s playing XI for the Oval Test
R Ashwin‘s name started trending as soon as India lost the game at Leeds. Currently considered as the world’s best spinner, Team India has had to leave him out of the squad to the conditions. However, it is possible that he will return to the XI for the next game. Along with this, Twitter also had many other options suggested to the management. We look at a few of them below:
Indian playing XI for nxt match..
— Citizen of India (@Raghav888mani) August 28, 2021
Rahul
Rohit
Pujara
Kohli
Suryakumar Yadav (jinks should have some break)
Pant (hard choice but what do)
Jaddu
Ashwin(very very better than any fast bowler)
Siraj
Shami
Bumrah
Perhaps this defeat is needed. India needs to slightly bring down their agressive approach and preferably focus towards methods and techniques. Avoiding middle order collapse is need of the hour. And @ashwinravi99 should be in playing XI. #INDvENG
— Amit (@Amit27286480) August 28, 2021
It was a clinical performance by England, after that humiliating defeat at Lords. A big positive for India was @cheteshwar1 back in form. Also change in the Playing XI is need of the hour now bringing @ashwinravi99 would help.#ENGvsIND @BCCI
— Reema Malhotra (@ReemaMalhotra8) August 28, 2021
Think one Ashwin/Shardul will be the change for Ishant. Ishant looked tired this Test and it will add a bit to the batting. Don’t really see any other change. Pressure will mount yes but think management will back them for the Oval game. And knowing this team they will come good.
— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) August 28, 2021
I hope Mayank or Surya get a chance ahead of Vihari. Ash/Thakur set to replace Ishant. #ENGvsIND
— The Cricket Statistician (@CricketSatire) August 28, 2021
Rohit
— Venkateswaran VenkatRaman (@venky311081) August 28, 2021
Rahul
Pujara
Kohli
Rahane
Vihari
Pant
Ashwin
Shradul
Bumrah
Siraj
India Playing XI for Oval test. #INDvsEND
India’s playing XI for the next match should be: Rahul, Rohit, Pujara, Kohli, Rahane, Pant, Jadeja, Ashwin, Shardhul, Bumrah, Shami.
— Sriram Kompella (@kompella_sriram) August 28, 2021
