Following a string of poor performances in the current Test series against England, Karun Nair's place in the Indian playing XI for the 4th Test at Old Trafford is in doubt. Nair has struggled to convert starts into big scores, managing only 131 runs at an average of 21.83 in three Tests to date. His best score in this series is only 40. This has opened up debate regarding substitutes for the vital upcoming match. Below are three players who might replace his position:

Sai Sudharsan

This left-handed batsman is a young player who is viewed as a future Indian Test player and might be given one more chance in the Tests. Although he scored a duck in the first innings, he followed it with a composed 30 in the second, showing glimpses of his potential. Sudharsan bats at No. 3—the same spot as Nair—and has been in excellent form in domestic cricket. With a first-class average of 39.93 and a career-best score of 213, he represents a strong long-term option for India in the top order.

Abhimanyu Easwaran

Abhimanyu Easwaran has been a consistent force in India’s domestic circuit and has regularly been part of India A squads. Despite not yet making his Test debut, he carries a wealth of red-ball experience with 7,841 runs at an average of 48.70, including 27 centuries. His recent 80 off 92 balls for India A against England Lions at No. 3 has strengthened his case. Easwaran also led India A against the England Lions and had a gritty 80 in the second innings following a first-innings duck.

See Also: India likely to drop 3 players for 4th Test against England at Old Trafford

Dhruv Jurel

A wicket-keeper batsman, Jurel has made an impression with his batting performance and technique, especially when facing the moving ball. He is a potential candidate to step in place of Nair and provide another layer to the batting unit of the team. He has scored 1,462 runs from 34 first-class matches at a staggering average of 48.73 with one century and 12 half-centuries to his credit. He is also a skilled wicketkeeper with 64 catches and 6 stumpings in first-class cricket. Jurel has played 4 Tests, with 202 runs at an average of 40.40, with one fifty to his name.

While the selectors have the final decision, these three players are strong contenders for the likely absence of Karun Nair in the Indian 4th Test squad against England.