India heads into the fourth Test in Manchester not only in a must-win situation to level the series, but also with a growing injury crisis. Several of India’s injured players ahead the 4th Test include promising pacers Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, all ruled out due to fitness issues.
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List of India’s Injured Players Ahead the 4th Test
With England leading the series 2-1, the pressure is on, and the absence of key names adds to the challenge. As the squad reshuffles yet again, fans hope fresh faces can step up and keep India’s hopes alive.
| Player | Injury |
| Akash Deep | Groin niggle |
| Arshdeep Singh | Cut on hand (used to bowl) |
| Nitish Kumar Reddy | Knee injury |
| Rishabh Pant | Finger injury |
Akash Deep
After dazzling everyone with a sensational 10-wicket match haul in Birmingham, Deep had cemented himself as a rising star in India’s pace arsenal. With his ability to swing the ball and maintain aggressive lengths, he was tipped to be a major threat in Manchester too. But just as fans were gearing up to see him back in action, a groin niggle came out of nowhere and put a full stop to that excitement. The injury happened during training at Beckenham, where Akash neither bowled nor batted, just went through some fitness drills under the watchful eye of the support staff. While the team hasn’t confirmed how serious it is, the signs weren’t great, and now it’s official: Akash Deep has been ruled out of the 4th Test.
In response, the selectors have added Anshul Kamboj to the squad as backup. Kamboj, who impressed in the recent India A games, is no stranger to English conditions and brings a similar aggressive fast-bowling style. He’s skiddy, can hit the deck, and even has a handy batting record, just what the doctor ordered when juggling injuries and squad balance. It’s a setback to lose Akash, especially with the series on the line, but there’s hope the next man up will seize his moment.
Related Article：Anshul Kamboj in Test – Reasons He Should Make the Playing XI
Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep Singh is still waiting for his Test debut, but if there was ever a time he looked close, it was now. With many players in the list of India’s injured players ahead the 4th test, the left-arm quick was all set to potentially make his mark. But during training at Beckenham, just as Arshdeep started his bowling session—light-heartedly joking about covering a week’s worth of work in one day—he experienced discomfort in his bowling hand. He had to walk off shortly after and was later seen with his hand taped, raising immediate doubts about his availability.
Related Article：Arshdeep Singh’s Injury Opens the Door for Unplanned Bumrah Return
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Though the extent of the injury hasn’t been fully disclosed, things aren’t looking great for the cheerful pacer, and it’s now unlikely that Arshdeep will feature in the 4th Test. It’s especially unfortunate because he would’ve added much-needed variety to India’s pace attack. Still, the team isn’t short on options. With Deep and Singh both injured, the team is now looking at Anshul Kamboj or Prasidh Krishna to step up alongside Siraj and Bumrah.
Nitish Kumar Reddy
One of the more silent contributors in the squad, Nitish Kumar Reddy had found his niche in the Indian Test setup by offering the kind of balance every team craves—medium pace with a solid batting technique. Whether it was filling in as a lower-order batter or chipping in with crucial overs, Nitish gave the side flexibility and options. Unfortunately, that balance has taken a hit as he’s now been ruled out of the remainder of the series due to a left knee injury. The BCCI confirmed he’s flying back home, and naturally, the team and fans wish him a speedy recovery.
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To plug the gap, India has turned to Anshul Kamboj, a 24-year-old pacer who brings a bit of that all-round capability. In a recent unofficial Test for India A, Kamboj shared a fantastic 149-run stand with Tanush Kotian and also picked up four wickets. He’s stocky, skiddy, and shows the kind of resilience India will need in Manchester. While Kamboj is more of a pure fast bowler than a like-for-like allrounder, his recent performances show he can offer something with the bat when needed.
Rishabh Pant
It wouldn’t feel like a high-stakes Test without some drama around Rishabh Pant. The explosive wicketkeeper-batter, known for turning matches on their head with audacious strokeplay, gave everyone a bit of a scare at Lord’s. While collecting a delivery from Bumrah, Pant copped a painful blow to his hand and had to walk off the field. Though he did bat, he couldn’t resume wicketkeeping duties, which naturally raised questions about whether he’d be fit to don the gloves in Manchester.
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Thankfully, skipper Shubman Gill has now confirmed that Rishabh Pant will be available to keep wickets for the 4th Test and isn’t part of India’s injured players ahead the 4th test, much to the relief of Indian fans everywhere. Not only does Pant bring explosive batting skills, but his energy behind the stumps, constant chatter, and sharp reflexes are invaluable in English conditions. With the series on the line, his presence adds both firepower and assurance to the squad.
Looking Ahead：Selection Dilemmas and Hopes for a Comeback
As India braces for a nail-biting 4th Test at Old Trafford, there’s a glimmer of hope on the batting front—Sai Sudharsan might return to add extra prowess and stability to the lineup. His inclusion could be just the boost the team needs amid the growing list of India’s injured players ahead the 4th Test. With Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, and Nitish Kumar Reddy ruled out, all eyes will now be on the team selection. Will it be the raw pace of Anshul Kamboj or the experience of Prasidh Krishna partnering Bumrah and Siraj? Either way, India has its work cut out. With the series on the line and the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at stake, fans can expect a thrilling five days of cricket in Manchester.
