'Can do a little bit of damage with....' – Ex-Aussie spinner makes big claim about India's combination for ENG vs IND 2025 4th Test

Former Australian spinner Brad Hogg has thrown his support behind all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy ahead of India's crucial fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, Manchester, starting Wednesday, July 23. Speaking about India’s team balance, Hogg stressed the importance of retaining Reddy in the playing XI to maintain batting depth. While praising Arshdeep Singh’s potential, he asserted that the left-arm seamer should only be included if Jasprit Bumrah is rested.

"I think Arshdeep Singh coming in for Nitish Reddy is probably not ideal. You want to keep Reddy there. The reason being is you need extra depth in the batting. Arshdeep Singh should come in if Bumrah is rested. Krishna has had his day. He's tried and tested; it hasn't come off. Thakur would be a good option, but I don't think he's fit enough if you're going in with one less bowler," Hogg said on his YouTube channel.

The discussion around Kuldeep Yadav has also gained traction during the series, with India opting for Washington Sundar instead. However, Hogg believes Kuldeep should still be benched, pointing again to the value Reddy brings with the ball as well. "You can either get rid of Reddy for Kuldeep or Sundar for Kuldeep. I'd keep Reddy in there because you need that extra seamer. He can do a little bit of damage with that swinging ball. If he's moving the ball, the English batters might not want to go after him if there's pressure from the other end. I wouldn't bring Kuldeep in. I'd keep the team as it is. I'd just swap Arshdeep for Bumrah if Bumrah can't play. He'll be right for the duke ball," he explained.

Karun Nair or Sai Sudharsan?

Hogg also weighed in on the debate surrounding Karun Nair, who has underperformed so far in the series despite coming off a brilliant domestic season. With just 131 runs at an average of 21.83 from six innings, Nair’s place at No. 3 is under scrutiny. Hogg believes his selection should depend entirely on his mental state.

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"The only thing with Karun Nair, if I were India, I'd just be looking out for how he is with his mindset. Is he being a little hesitant at the present moment? Is he a little bit unsure of the way that he wants to play?" Hogg questioned. He added that if Nair’s confidence is low, Sai Sudharsan—who made his debut in the first Test—should be brought back. “If he's still confident and knows the way he wants to play, I'll stick with Nair. But if his confidence is low, I'd bring in a youngster.”