India lost the third Tests at Lord’s by 22 runs in a close finale. Despite a brave fightback, key moments slipped by, indicating opportunities for improvement. As the focus shifts to the fourth Test in Manchester, India must regroup with clarity and purpose.

Fine-tuning their batting discipline, responding to conditions, and evaluating their combinations could be key. With the series still open, this match presents an opportunity to recover and show perseverance under pressure. If the Shubman Gill-led Indian team wants to equalise the playing field, careful planning and execution would be required.

3 changes India should make for fourth Tests vs England:

1. Kuldeep Yadav replaces Nitish Kumar Reddy

India could benefit from fielding a second quality spinner in Manchester, where the pitch has traditionally produced more turn as the game continued. Kuldeep Yadav’s recent form and ability to capture huge numbers of wickets could provide the X-factor that Nitish Kumar Reddy, a seam-bowling all-rounder, currently needs in red-ball cricket.

Kuldeep adds variety to the attack and can disrupt England’s middle order, particularly left-handed batters, with his wrist spin. His control and improved consistency in recent Tests provide him a more aggressive option, relieving fast bowlers of the burden of taking wickets on flatter fields. As a result, he becomes an appropriate pick for the Manchester game.

2. Arshdeep Singh comes in for Akash Deep

Akash Deep bowled his heart out at Lord’s, but he was also observed limping out of the ground, and reports said that he complained of hip or back problems, which had also kept him out of the LSG squad during the IPL 2025. This was worrying news for the team management, who were already controlling Jasprit Bumrah’s workload. If Akash Deep is suffering from hip pain, India should consider bringing in Arshdeep Singh.

Arshdeep Singh introduces the left-arm tempo angle into the mix. It offers variety to India’s speed assault, and his ability to swing the ball both ways—especially with the new ball—could help them make early gains. On surfaces that give little for seamers, Arshdeep’s accuracy and temperament may be more advantageous than raw pace, giving him a great tactical complement to the Old Trafford game.

3. Sai Sudharsan replaces Karun Nair

Questions over Karun Nair’s place in the Indian XI will continue to be asked, since he has not scored more than 40 runs in an innings since returning to India’s whites after an eight-year absence. Though the Indian team management is backing Nair and giving him a long rope, with the Test series down 1-2, it may be time to consider Sai Sudharsan or Abhimanyu Easwaran.

Sudharsan demonstrated grit in his only Test, scoring 30 runs, which was not particularly impressive, but he adds a lot of promise to the team. India requires someone to remain calm and anchor one end while others make shots around him. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, and Shubman Gill are all stroke creators who require someone to anchor the opposite end. Nair fell short in that regard, and Sudharsan should be nurtured for the No. 3 spot, as he has the technique and temperament to stay at the wicket and take his time to propel the innings ahead.