Injury Crisis for Team India – News Update
India Faces Selection Dilemma Ahead of Crucial Fourth Test After Triple Injury Setback- Injury Crisis
India vs England 4th Test will be played at Old Trafford on the 23rd of July, and India’s preparations against England have been thrown into disarray with a injury crisis to key players in the squad. These injuries have significantly impacted team selection. With the series on the line and a must-win match looming on July 23, injuries to three key players and concerns over Rishabh Pant’s fitness have created major uncertainty around the final playing XI.
Arshdeep Singh, Akash Deep, and Nitish Reddy Sidelined For India vs England 4th Test Injury Crisis
In a major blow to India’s pace attack, left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh suffered a hand injury during a net session last week. According to The Indian Express, the injury required stitches and could sideline him for up to 10 days—effectively ruling him out of not just the fourth Test, but potentially the series finale at The Oval as well. In response, the selection committee has brought in Haryana pacer Anshul Kamboj as a backup option.
Compounding the issue, Akash Deep, who starred with a 10-wicket haul in the second Test, is battling a groin strain. He was seen struggling physically during the third Test at Lord’s and hasn’t bowled in recent training sessions. His participation in the Manchester Test remains doubtful.
Further adding to India’s distress, promising all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy sustained a ligament injury while working out in the gym. Initial scans have revealed the severity of the damage, making it highly unlikely he will feature again in the series.
Selection Issues for Team India – Injury Crisis
Team Selection in Brief:
- Shardul Thakur is likely to rejoin the playing XI in place of Nitish Reddy.
- Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are expected to lead the pace attack, with workload management being a key focus.
- The inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav remains a possibility, but highly unlikely.
- Dhruv Jurel may be added as wicket keeper and Rishabh may play as a pure batsman
- Prasidh Krishna also remains in contention as a backup pace option with the injury crisis.
- Sai Sudharshan may get a game
With three players sidelined and Pant’s availability is still unclear. Vice-captain Rishabh Pant, who sustained a finger injury during the Lord’s Test, appears to be on the path to recovery. In a social media post, Pant was seen participating in fielding drills and batting practice, suggesting a potential return to the starting XI. Sai Sudharshan may also be a possible replacement for an out-of-form Karun Nair.
In terms of reshuffling the squad, due to the injury crisis, Shardul Thakur is expected to return to the lineup in place of Nitish. Thakur had featured in the first Test at Leeds but was dropped after a modest performance. His all-around ability could be crucial in balancing the side.
The uncertainty around Akash Deep puts added pressure on frontline pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. With Arshdeep also out, India may consider Anshul Ka,mboj to cover for the injury crisis.
One option being discussed is including Kuldeep Yadav, who is yet to feature in the series. However, this move would mean playing three spinners alongside Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, potentially weakening the pace department,something head coach Gautam Gambhir is reportedly reluctant to do.
Another possibility is awarding a debut to Anshul Kamboj, who has impressed in domestic cricket and recent India A matches. Despite his promise, this move might raise concerns over selection hierarchy, as Harshit Rana was originally preferred as the backup pacer.
Bumrah’s Role More Crucial Than Ever – India vs England 4th Test
Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate previously noted that Arshdeep’s injury would affect the team’s plans. With Akash Deep now also sidelined, the likelihood of Bumrah leading the pace attack has increased, despite concerns around managing his workload. Siraj, the only pacer to feature in all three Tests so far, has already bowled the most overs for India this series, and his fitness will also be monitored closely.
With limited options after the injury crisis, Prasidh Krishna and Thakur may both come into play as support bowlers, depending on the final pitch conditions and weather in Manchester.
Who is Anshul Kamboj?
The 24-year-old right-arm quick from Haryana has earned praise for his sharp bounce and consistency. During the recent India A series, he took four wickets in the second unofficial Test at Northampton and also contributed with the bat in a key 149-run stand with Tanush Kotian. His inclusion is a testament to India’s growing depth in domestic fast bowling talent.
A Must Win for Team India- The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher – India vs England 4th Test
Trailing 1-2 in the five-match series after a narrow defeat at Lord’s, India must win in Manchester to stay alive in the contest for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. The fourth Test could either revive India’s campaign or seal the series for England.
India’s coaching staff, led by Gautam Gambhir, is evaluating final selections based on player fitness and Manchester’s weather and pitch conditions.
Probable India XI for India vs England 4th Test
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharshan, Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper), Shardul Thakur, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.
With the series on the line, India will aim to bounce back strongly inspite of the injury crisis and level the contest in Manchester.
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