“That’s bound to happen. It is a logical and sensible thing to do,” were India skipper Virat Kohli’s comments when asked if changes will be made in the playing XI for the 4th Test against England. Though the entire Indian team has been quite inconsistent in the series so far, there are a few names who top the list.

Waiting on the bench for an opportunity are the likes of Mayank Agarwal, Prithvi Shaw, Suryakumar Yadav, Hanuma Vihari, Shardul Thakur, Ravichandran Ashwin, Wriddhiman Saha and Umesh Yadav. A few of these names have been spoken about a lot over the past few days but one that stood out was Ashwin’s.

The off-spinner was expected to feature in the India XI both at Lord’s and Headingley but it didn’t quite happen. With the Oval expected to be a little more friendly to spinners, Ashwin seems to be the favourite to make the cut in the fourth Test.

Two more players who have been talked about quite a lot since India’s defeat to England at Leeds are Shardul Thakur and Hanuma Vihari. Ishant Sharma’s struggles in the third Test saw calls for Shardul’s inclusion in the pace-bowling unit gaining momentum. On the other hand, Ajinkya Rahane continues to struggle for consistency, and with Hanuma Vihari waiting in the wings, many reckon that the swap should be made in the fourth Test.

Other than Rahane’s poor form with the bat, another fact that favours Vihari’s inclusion is that he can also prove to be a handy bowler. Especially keeping the 4th and 5th day in mind, the Indian team management could be tempted to include Vihari in place of Rahane in the playing XI.

Which players will be axed?

The top four are unlikely to be altered. Meaning, KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli are expected to hold on to their places but Rahane could make way for Vihari at the No. 5 spot.

Ravindra Jadeja could also find himself on the bench if the team management and skipper Kohli decide to include Ashwin. Both could also feature in the playing XI if the bowling composition is changed from 4 pacer – 1 spinner to 3 pacer – 2 spinners.

Ishant Sharma is all but certain to miss out on a spot in the team at the Oval. But, it would be interesting to see if he makes way for another pacer in the form of Shardul Thakur or a spinner in the form of Ashwin.

India’s likely playing XI for 4th Test against England: KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja/Shardul Thakur, R Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj