India vs England Prediction: India never lost test match at Ranchi

India and England are going head to head in the 4th Match of the Test Series at JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi, India on 23 Feb 2024. India has never lost a test match at Ranchi and has 2-1 lead in the series. Who will win this game of cricket?

India displayed a precise performance in the 3rd Test match in Rajkot, achieving its biggest-ever Test win in terms of runs. With a 2-1 lead in the series, India aims to secure victory in the upcoming matches. The match highlighted the emergence of India's young batsmen, with Yashasvi Jaiswal scoring a second consecutive double-hundred and Sarfaraz Khan impressing with half-centuries in both innings on his debut. Shubman Gill's consistent form was evident as he contributed 91 runs in the 2nd innings. Ravindra Jadeja's exceptional all-round performance in the last match makes him a key player for the team once again. Slight changes in the team lineup may see Jasprit Bumrah rested, allowing Mohammed Siraj to lead the seam attack. Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav will spearhead the spin department alongside Jadeja. Another alteration could involve the inclusion of Devdutt Padikkal in place of Rajat Patidar, who has struggled in Test cricket. This move might be an opportunity to test Padikkal before the return of Kohli and Rahul.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj

England's highly praised Bazball approach appears to be faltering after consecutive losses. While the top-order has shown some good performances on the current tour, with individual centuries from Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope, and good form shown by Zak Crawley with two half-centuries, it has not been sufficient on subcontinent pitches where India has dominated in the last two matches. Joe Root, Johnny Bairstow, Ben Stokes, and Ben Foakes are struggling for form, and the team will need some of these players to deliver a big performance. The spinners Tom Hartley and Rehan Ahmed have been impressive with 27 wickets between them, with Joe Root picking up 7. However, the new-ball bowling has been disappointing with James Anderson and Mark Wood only managing to take a total of 10 wickets so far.

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (c), Ben Foakes (wk), Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley, Mark Wood, James Anderson

The team that wins the toss is likely to choose to bat first. The pitch in Ranchi is conducive to batting for the first three days, with a flat surface and minimal green grass allowing the ball to come onto the bat. The average first-inning score in the two Test matches played at this venue is 474. As the game progresses, the pitch slows down, benefiting the slower bowlers, and spinners can anticipate plenty of turn in the last two days. The weather is expected to be clear for the first four days, with maximum temperatures reaching 25 degrees. There may be some drizzle on the final day.

Considering India's recent performances, they are heavily favored to win this match even though Jasprit Bumrah may be rested. Despite this absence, we believe India still has the necessary players to challenge England. However, England is expected to put up a fight, resulting in a close contest. Our recommendation is to bet on India winning.