Team India’s preparations for the crucial fourth Test against England in Manchester have taken a serious hit with multiple injury concerns surfacing just days before the match. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been ruled out of the remaining two Tests of the five-match series due to a left knee injury. Reddy will return home and begin rehabilitation under medical supervision, dealing a blow to India’s squad depth as the team trails the series 1-2.
Adding to the growing list of unavailable players is fast bowler Arshdeep Singh. He has been ruled out of the fourth Test after suffering an impact injury to his left thumb during a net session in Beckenham. The BCCI stated that the medical team is closely monitoring his recovery, but he will play no part in the Manchester encounter scheduled to begin on July 23.
In response to the sudden fitness setbacks, the selection committee has named only one replacement. Young pacer Anshul Kamboj, a promising prospect from Chennai Super Kings, has been drafted into the squad. Kamboj has already joined the team in Manchester and could be in contention depending on the final playing XI the management decides upon.
Questions Loom Over India’s Bowling Line-Up
India’s bowling attack has been under scrutiny throughout the series, and with these recent injuries, the team faces even more challenges in balancing the playing XI. One of the most debated issues remains the workload management of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. With three high-intensity matches already behind him, there is a strong possibility the management could opt to rest him for the fourth Test to avoid any potential fatigue or injury.
Akash Deep, another fast bowling option, had been under fitness watch in the lead-up to the Manchester Test. However, the BCCI has retained him in the squad, signaling that he may be available for selection. If Bumrah is indeed rested, the decision between Akash Deep and the newly added Kamboj could prove critical. The team management will likely wait until the final training sessions to assess fitness and form before locking in their choices.
Kuldeep Yadav’s Exclusion Continues to Raise Eyebrows
Meanwhile, there has been growing chatter about the potential inclusion of spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI. Despite calls from fans and analysts alike, the left-arm wrist spinner has not featured in any of the three Tests so far. Given England’s vulnerabilities against spin and the possibility of a worn pitch later in the match, Kuldeep might finally get his opportunity. His ability to provide breakthroughs in the middle overs could offer the variety India’s bowling unit needs.
Fourth Test Pivotal in the Series Context
With England holding a 2-1 lead, the fourth Test in Manchester is a virtual must-win for India to stay alive in the series. A win would level the series and set up a grand finale in the fifth and final match. A loss, on the other hand, would mean a series defeat with a match still to play. These stakes place added pressure on the selectors and team management to strike the right balance, especially with injuries shrinking the list of available players.
Despite the injury setbacks, India still boasts a strong core squad with captain Shubman Gill and vice-captain Rishabh Pant at the helm. The batting unit includes Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, and Abhimanyu Easwaran, with experienced hands like Karun Nair and Ravindra Jadeja available for support. In the all-round department, Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur offer flexibility. The pace attack—though shaken by injuries—retains depth with Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and now Anshul Kamboj.
Official Word from BCCI
In its official statement, the BCCI provided a medical update on the players, confirming Nitish Kumar Reddy’s exit from the series and Arshdeep Singh’s unavailability for the fourth Test. The board wished Reddy a speedy recovery and acknowledged the severity of Arshdeep’s injury, expressing hope for his return soon. The inclusion of Anshul Kamboj was also confirmed in the same release, marking his first appearance in the senior Test squad.
The fourth Test between India and England is set to begin on July 23, 2025, in Manchester. With the series hanging in the balance, all eyes will be on the team selection and whether the replacements can rise to the occasion in a high-pressure setting.
