After two back-to-back defeat in the first two matches of the five-match Test series by 31 runs at Edgbaston and by an innings at Lord’s, Virat Kohli’s boys produced a splendid all-round performance to outclass England in the third Test in Nottingham by 203 runs.

On Thursday, while the Virat Kohli-led Indian side will aim to continue their winning momentum, the hosts will aim to outclass the visitors to take an unassailable lead in the series. If Virat Kohli’s side is able to win the fourth Test match, they will have the chance to emulate Sir Don Bradman’s Australia that won the 1936 Ashes after being 0-2 down.

After the win in the third Test match, viewers will be expecting the same playing XI for India as in the Nottingham Test. But going by Indian captain’s reputation it is highly unlikely. So far, Virat Kohli had captained Indian side in 38 Test matches and he had altered team’s playing XI in every match.

Here is India’s likely playing XI for the fourth Test

Shikhar Dhawan

Senior Indian batsman Shikhar Dhawan can retain his position as team’s opener in the fourth Test match. After getting dropped in the second Test, Dhawan was recalled in Indian side for the third Test match in place of struggling Murali Vijay.

Though Dhawan did not play outstanding innings at the Nottingham Test, he gave India a decent start with the bat. Dhawan and KL Rahul put up a fifty-plus partnership in both the innings. Dhawan scored 35 and 44 runs respectively in the first and second innings.

KL Rahul

Lokesh Rahul can also retain his position as the opening batsman in the fourth Test match along with Shikhar Dhawan. Though KL Rahul has disappointed the viewers with his poor show in England tour, it is highly unlikely that he will get dropped.

Kl Rahul had scored 23 and 36 runs in 3rd Test and put up 50-plus run-stand in both the innings.

Cheteshwar Pujara

Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara can also retain his spot in the playing XI. Pujara had scored 14 and 72 runs at Nottingham Test that India won by 203 runs

Virat Kohli

Indian skipper Virat Kohli is the most impressive batsman so far in the ongoing five-match Test series between India and England. Virat has scored 97 and 103 in the third Test. And if former England captain Michael Vaughan’s prediction is to believe then the 29-year-old Indian captain will notch up his third Test ton of the series at the fourth test.

Ajinkya Rahane

Mr dependable Ajinkya Rahane can also retain his spot in Virat Kohli’s playing XI for the fourth Test match. One of the biggest positive point for India in the third Test match was vice-captain Rahane’s comeback in form. Rahane had scored a brilliant 82 runs in the first innings.

Rishabh Pant

Delhi’s wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh pant was picked in India’s playing XI for the third Test in place of injured Dinesh Karthik and it seems he will also retain his spot for the fourth test match.

In the third Test match, Rishabh pant scripted history first by becoming first Indian cricket to hit a six on the second bowl and then by becoming first Asian keeper to cling 5 catches in a single innings.

Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya will also retain his spot as an all-rounder in the Indian side. In the first innings of the third Test, Hardik Pandya was the most dominating bowler claiming five wickets and then he followed his performance with a quick-fire half-century in the third innings of the match.

R Ashwin/Ravindra Jadeja

Spin wizard Ravichandran Ashwin will be Virat Kohli’s first choice for the fourth Test but he can be rested for the fourth Test because of his injury. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja can earn his first-call up in India’s playing XI if R Ashwin is not available.

Ishant Sharma

Delhi speedster Ishant Sharma had also impressed Virat Kohli with his performance so far and is expected to retain his spot in India’s playing XI. Ishant picked five wickets in the first innings of Edgbaston Test.

He was impressive in the recently concluded third Test match. Ishant bagged four wickets in the third Test match and lend a good helping hand to the rest of the bowlers.

Umesh Yadav

RCB speedster Umesh Yadav can earn a recall for the fourth Test in place of Mohammed Shami. Both Umesh and Mohammed Shami lack consistency in their bowling but when they are in form they can be proved very lethal for the opposition.

Mohammed Shami has often failed to make an impact with the new ball and it can cost him his spot in the fourth Test. Picking Umesh over Mohammed Shami in Southampton Test is risky but a risk worth taking.

Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah is also expected to retain his spot in the Indian squad. Bumrah is also expected to lead India’s pace attack in the fourth Test match.

Jasprit Bumrah missed the first two Test match because of his injury. Bumrah made his comeback in the third Test match and bagged seven wickets.