India’s road to saving the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy just got rockier. With the five-match Test series hanging by a thread at 1-2, the Indian team faces a selection crisis heading into the must-win 4th Test in Manchester, starting July 23. A flurry of injuries to key players, including Nitish Kumar Reddy, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh, has forced India into emergency contingency mode.
Injury Update: India Hit by Triple Blow
India’s team management has been left scrambling after three players were ruled out or deemed doubtful for the Old Trafford Test:
- Nitish Kumar Reddy: Suffered a gym-related ligament injury. Scans confirmed significant damage. Ruled out.
- Akash Deep: Groin niggle suffered during the Lord’s Test. Highly doubtful.
- Arshdeep Singh: Needed stitches after a net session blow. Will take 10 days to heal, effectively out of Manchester and likely The Oval.
Adding to the concern, Rishabh Pant continues to recover from a finger injury sustained while keeping on Day 1 of the Lord’s Test. Though he has resumed light training, including batting, his availability remains a game-time call.
Selection Dilemma: India’s Combination in Disarray
The multiple injury concerns have derailed India’s preferred combination, particularly around the all-rounder and fast bowling slots. Here’s how things could play out:
Shardul Thakur Likely In for Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Thakur, who featured in the first Test, is expected to return to the XI.
- While his recent form has been modest, his dual skill set fits the team’s balance.
- Gambhir, however, might be tempted to explore other all-rounders due to Shardul’s lack of match rhythm.
Bumrah and Siraj Now Certain to Play
- With Akash Deep out, Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management plan may be shelved.
- Mohammed Siraj is also expected to feature despite back-to-back matches.
Pace Dilemma: Harshit Rana or Anshul Kamboj?
- Harshit Rana, who was added to the squad earlier, is a leading candidate to replace Akash.
- Anshul Kamboj, brought in as Arshdeep’s injury cover, is another option, but his debut might stir hierarchy debates.
Kuldeep Yadav Conundrum
- With Jadeja and Sundar already offering spin options, picking Kuldeep would require dropping one of the two all-rounders.
- Given Gambhir’s emphasis on batting depth, this looks unlikely.
Pant’s Return Looks Likely but Not Confirmed
While the BCCI has remained cautious, Pant posted a video of his training session on social media with the caption: “If calm had a sound, it would be this.” He was seen batting, doing fielding drills, and even participating in a game of football — positive signs for a return.
If fit, he is expected to take back the wicketkeeping duties from Dhruv Jurel, strengthening India’s middle order in the process.
India’s Likely XI for Manchester Test
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | Yashasvi Jaiswal |
| 2 | KL Rahul |
| 3 | Karun Nair |
| 4 | Shubman Gill (C) |
| 5 | Rishabh Pant (WK)* |
| 6 | Shardul Thakur |
| 7 | Ravindra Jadeja |
| 8 | Washington Sundar |
| 9 | Harshit Rana / Kamboj |
| 10 | Jasprit Bumrah |
| 11 | Mohammed Siraj |
*Subject to fitness confirmation.
What’s at Stake
- India must win to level the series 2-2 before the decider at The Oval.
- England, riding high after their 22-run win at Lord’s, will look to seal the series with a match to spare.
- Gill’s captaincy is under sharp scrutiny, and this Test could define his leadership arc.
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