In what has already been a challenging series for India, things have become even tougher just days before the series-deciding fourth Test, with the team suffering a couple of injury setbacks.
Over the past few days, reports had emerged of Arshdeep Singh injuring his bowling hand during training in Beckenham, where Team India was preparing before heading to Manchester on Saturday. Images showing Arshdeep’s left thumb strapped hinted that the injury would require time to heal. On Sunday, it was further reported that Nitish Kumar Reddy had sustained a freak knee injury during a gym session. On Monday, the BCCI confirmed both injuries in an official statement.
The board stated that Nitish has been ruled out of the remainder of the series, while Arshdeep will miss the fourth Test and remains under the care of the BCCI medical team. In response, the selectors have added uncapped pacer Anshul Kamboj, who was part of the India A squad against England Lions, as pace cover.
India were already grappling with multiple concerns ahead of the crucial fourth Test. Jasprit Bumrah’s workload, Rishabh Pant’s finger injury and wicketkeeping availability, and Akash Deep’s groin issue had left the team with plenty to consider. Now, with two players ruled out just before a series decider at Old Trafford, India’s troubles have only deepened.
Shubman Gill’s Indian team heads into the Manchester Test with a depleted squad. With Nitish ruled out, Shardul Thakur stands as the only like-for-like replacement. However, India might consider other options — bringing in someone like Dhruv Jurel or opting for an additional spinner in Kuldeep Yadav. Both Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar impressed at Lord’s, and with their ability to contribute with the bat, India could be tempted to take a calculated risk by playing Kuldeep and restricting their batting depth to seven, with Sundar at No. 7. It's a bold call, and one the team management will have to weigh carefully.
Meanwhile, the fitness of Akash Deep remains uncertain. If he fails to recover in time, India will have to fill the third seamer's spot. Bumrah, who was earlier under workload watch, as confirmed by Mohammed Siraj will feature in what is now a must-win game. Siraj, who has shouldered the bulk of the pace workload after playing all three Tests so far, will be seen operating alongside.
The final fast bowling slot could come down to a choice between the uncapped Kamboj and Prasidh Krishna. Conditions will play a crucial role — if the weather stays overcast, India may opt for three frontline seamers with Shardul as a fourth, which might once again leave Kuldeep out of the XI.
Calls to include Kuldeep have grown louder. England’s batters have traditionally struggled against quality wrist spin, and Kuldeep’s wicket-taking ability adds to his appeal. But fitting him into the XI without compromising team balance remains a tricky puzzle.
Another key decision lies at the No. 3 slot. Karun Nair has featured in all three Tests so far and has batted at one-down in two of them, yet he is still searching for a big score. Sai Sudharsan, waiting in the wings, presents a strong case to reclaim that position.
India have never won or drawn a Test series after trailing 2-1. They've also never won a match at Old Trafford. With the weight of history, selection dilemmas, and mounting injury concerns, the challenge ahead is massive for Team India. One misstep, and the series slips away.
India's predicted XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant/Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Anshul Kamboj
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