Former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel has called for a significant change to India’s playing XI ahead of the fourth T20I against England, recommending the inclusion of a veteran star batter following the visitors’ disappointing batting collapse in Nottingham. After India were bundled out for just 76 while chasing 202 in the third T20I, Parthiv believes a fresh approach to the batting order could help the team bounce back and avoid another setback in the five-match series.
Parthiv Patel recommends one change while questioning India’s left-heavy batting combination
India’s batting lineup came under intense scrutiny after the crushing 125-run defeat, with several batters struggling against England’s pace attack. Speaking on JioHotstar, Parthiv pointed to the imbalance created by having too many left-handed batters in the top order. He argued that the current combination allows opposition bowlers to settle into consistent plans and suggested that India should introduce Sanju Samson to add greater variety.
“I feel he should be played because we have been saying from the first match that you cannot have six left-handers in the top seven, in the top eight (in this game), because Harshit Rana came at No. 7,” said Parthiv.
According to the former India opener, the change would not only improve the right-left balance but also offer greater flexibility against England’s bowling attack, which dominated throughout the third match.
While backing Samson’s return, Parthiv acknowledged that the move would require India to sacrifice an all-round option. He suggested that Shivam Dube should be left out despite the impact it could have on the team’s bowling resources. Dube endured a forgettable outing in Nottingham, scoring just two runs from four deliveries after coming in at No. 8. With the ball, he bowled only one over, conceding 10 runs without taking a wicket. Parthiv admitted that replacing Dube would reduce India’s bowling depth but felt the stronger batting combination would be worth the trade-off.
“If I keep myself in that dressing room and if I have to make a team, the focus goes on Tilak Varma, but he is India’s vice-captain. So I would want you to play Sanju Samson in place of Shivam Dube. Then the sixth bowling option won’t remain. However, you will go with five out-and-out main bowlers,” Parthiv observed.
Change in the batting order for the star player
Parthiv also proposed a change in Samson’s role if he returns to the XI. Instead of using him as an opener, he suggested placing the Kerala batter in the middle order to strengthen India’s core batting unit. He envisioned Samson batting at No. 3, with Ishan Kishan and captain Shreyas Iyer adjusting their positions accordingly to create a more balanced lineup.
“You will have to make Sanju Samson bat in the middle. He can also come at No. 3. Then Ishan Kishan can come in the middle, and Shreyas Iyer can come at No. 5. You can keep Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, and Shreyas Iyer from Nos. 3 to 5. India can think in that direction,” Parthiv added.
With England carrying momentum after their emphatic victory, India now face an important selection call ahead of the fourth T20I. Whether the team management opts to follow Parthiv’s advice and bring Samson back into the side could be one of the biggest talking points before the crucial contest.
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