India will be desperate to keep the five-match T20I series alive when Shreyas Iyer's side plays England in the fourth T20I at Bristol on Thursday.
The visitors now trail 0-2 in the series after the first match was washed out by rain while England have been dominant in the next two matches. The Indian batsmen’s performance has attracted much attention after they were bundled out for just 76 runs in the third T20I and suffered a 125-run defeat—the team’s biggest-ever loss by runs in T20 Internationals.
With the series on the line, changes to India's playing XI are likely.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Set for Another Opportunity
Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who made his T20I debut in the second match, is expected to retain his place despite his modest performances.
The 15-year-old scored 14 off 10 balls on debut and followed it up with a brisk 13 off five deliveries in the third T20I. Although he has not played a big innings yet, the team will continue to support the young opener alongside Abhishek Sharma.
Middle Order could see a change
Ishan Kishan is expected to continue at No. 3 and captain Shreyas Iyer should bat at No. 4.
The largest change could come at No. 5, where Sanju Samson could replace Tilak Varma.
Tilak has struggled in the series with scores of 13, 24, and 3* and has been criticized for not making a significant impact. Samson, while opening the batting in the last few games, could be drafted into the middle order to provide more stability and experience.
Bowling unit likely to remain unchanged
India is not likely to tinker with their bowling attack.
All-rounders Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, and Harshit Rana should be able to maintain their positions.
The pace attack is most likely to feature Arshdeep Singh and Prince Yadav, while Varun Chakravarthy remains the only specialist spinner.
With the series hanging in the balance, India will hope the changes bring immediate results as they seek to avoid a series defeat and force the contest into the fifth and final T20I.
India's predicted playing XI vs England (4th T20I):
Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (Captain), Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Harshit Rana, Prince Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy.
