Team India has been hit by a double injury blow just days before the crucial fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, Manchester. Promising all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy and left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh have been ruled out, forcing the Indian management into an urgent reshuffle as they attempt to level the series, which England currently leads 2–1.
Nitish Reddy, who was building a reputation as a dependable seam-bowling all-rounder, suffered a knee ligament injury during a gym session earlier in the week. After assessment, the medical team deemed the injury serious enough to send him back to India for advanced rehabilitation. Reddy had played two of the first three Tests and was contributing both with bat and ball. His unavailability leaves a significant gap in India’s balance, particularly in the lower middle order and support pace options.
Adding to the setback, Arshdeep Singh, who was expected to make his Test debut in Manchester, sustained a left thumb injury during a high-intensity nets session. The injury, which required stitches, has sidelined him for at least the fourth Test, with doubts still lingering over his availability for the fifth and final match. The left-armer was in the mix for rotation in the pace attack, especially with conditions in Manchester historically assisting swing and seam movement.
To plug the gap left by Arshdeep, the selectors have drafted in 24-year-old Anshul Kamboj, a right-arm fast bowler from Haryana, who had impressed during the India A tour and domestic red-ball cricket. This marks Kamboj’s first senior team call-up. Known for his disciplined line and ability to extract bounce, he joins a depleted pace department already grappling with the absence of Akash Deep, who is recovering from a groin strain.
The pressure now falls squarely on India’s lead pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, to shoulder the burden in what is shaping up to be a do-or-die clash. Bumrah, who made a successful return to Test cricket earlier this year after back surgery, had been carefully managed throughout the tour. With the team losing two quick bowling options in quick succession, Bumrah may be forced to bowl extended spells. The team management faces a delicate balance between using his experience to push for a win and preserving his long-term fitness.
India must now reassess their playing combination. With Reddy’s absence, the side loses flexibility—particularly the three-all-rounder template that had offered depth in both batting and bowling. Shardul Thakur could return to the XI as a like-for-like option, but the selectors might also consider strengthening the spin department by including Kuldeep Yadav, especially if the Manchester pitch shows signs of wear.
As the countdown to the fourth Test begins, India’s challenge goes beyond the scoreboard. Managing player workloads, integrating a debutant like Kamboj, and maintaining team morale amid mounting injuries will be key. England, sensing vulnerability, will look to capitalize. For India, this is not just a battle against a formidable opponent—but against the clock, fitness concerns, and the fragility of momentum in a grueling five-match series.