Could Arshdeep Singh's Injury Push Bumrah into the Fourth Test

India’s Test series against England just got a whole lot spicier, and not in a good way. With the series on the line and India trailing 1-2, every match now feels like a do-or-die scenario. And just when fans were hoping for a smooth lead-up to the fourth Test in Manchester, boom! Arshdeep Singh’s injury comes crashing into the headlines. The promising left-arm pacer picked up a hand injury during Thursday’s practice session, and now his availability is hanging in the balance.

Contents

1 Reasons Behind Arshdeep Singh’s Injury
2 Why Does It Matters? Even If Arshdeep Hasn’t Played Yet
3 Bumrah Time Again?
4 Can Siraj Keep It Up?
5 The Road Ahead

Reasons Behind Arshdeep Singh’s Injury

Let’s get to the incident itself. During a fairly routine net session, Arshdeep Singh tried to stop a ball with his hand. Unfortunately, it didn’t go well. The result? A painful-looking cut on his bowling hand. According to India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, it was “just a cut,” but the fact that he had to be taken for medical evaluation doesn’t exactly scream minor. And when your bowling hand is involved, even a paper cut can feel like a crisis. So for now, Arshdeep Singh’s injury remains under watch, with the team anxiously waiting to see if stitches or rest time will be needed.

Why Does It Matters? Even If Arshdeep Hasn’t Played Yet

You might be wondering, “Wait, has Arshdeep even played in this series yet?” Technically, no. He’s been warming the bench while India has relied on their core trio: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep. But that’s exactly why his injury hurts (figuratively for the team, literally for him). With Jasprit Bumrah only scheduled to play three of the five Tests due to workload management. It was widely expected that Arshdeep could step in, especially if someone needed a breather.

#WATCH | Team India’s Assistant Coach, Ryan ten Doeschate says, “He took a ball, while he was bowling there, the side of the ball; he tried to stop the ball. It’s just a cut, so we have to see how bad the cut is. Obviously, the medical team is taking him to see a doctor and if he… https://t.co/6MPyC4sACu pic.twitter.com/F4Lki2L2Z2
— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2025

Add to that the fact that Mohammed Siraj has been India’s leading wicket taker in Test for India this series with 13 wickets. While that’s impressive, it also means Siraj has been carrying a massive load. If you’re keeping track, Jasprit Bumrah has 12 wickets and is right on Siraj’s heels. Arshdeep might’ve been the perfect “next man up,” especially after Prasidh Krishna failed to make an impact in earlier matches. Now, with Arshdeep Singh’s injury, India risks heading into Manchester a bowler short, or asking already exhausted players to dig even deeper.

Bumrah Time Again?

This brings us to the next big question: Will Jasprit Bumrah suit up again in Manchester? Initially, the plan was to rest him for either the fourth or fifth Test. He already played in the first and third matches, and fans expected him in the final game. But plans change, especially when the series is slipping away. With Arshdeep Singh’s injury now reducing India’s bench strength, and the pressure to level the series mounting, it seems almost inevitable that the team will tap their ace once more.

And let’s be honest, if you’re down 1-2, staring at a potential series loss, you don’t leave the best wicket taker in Test for India on the sidelines. Former cricketers, analysts, and just about every chaiwala who follows cricket are all saying the same thing: Jasprit Bumrah needs to play. The nine-day break between Lord’s and Manchester is considered enough for recovery, and unless something unexpected pops up, fans can likely expect him to be back on the pitch, ready to swing momentum India’s way.

Can Siraj Keep It Up?

While all eyes will be on Jasprit Bumrah if he plays, let’s not overlook how much pressure is now on Mohammed Siraj. The current top wicket taker in Test for India this series has been a workhorse. He’s bowled long spells, taken crucial wickets, and generally led from the front. But with fatigue setting in and team options thinning out, he’ll likely need to step up even more in Manchester. With Arshdeep Singh’s injury putting more weight on his shoulders, Siraj may very well be the key to India staying alive in this series.

And remember, this isn’t just about numbers. It’s about holding nerves under pressure. The English top order is finally starting to find rhythm, and if India wants to stop the bleeding, someone’s got to get those early breakthroughs. Luckily, Siraj has proven he can do just that.

The Road Ahead

So where does that leave Team India? Honestly, in a tight spot. Without a fit Arshdeep Singh, and with Jasprit Bumrah possibly forced to play back-to-back Tests, the margin for error has gotten razor thin. The fourth match at Old Trafford might just decide the fate of this series, and India can’t afford to gamble.

As it stands, India’s bowling will rely heavily on two workhorses: Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah, both already vital wicket taker in Test for India roles. Add to that the unpredictable English weather, tricky pitch conditions, and the pressure of a potential series decider, and you’ve got the makings of a true nail-biter. Fingers crossed for a speedy recovery for Arshdeep Singh, and for some magic from the rest of the pace battery.

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