IND vs ENG: Injuries, Team Balance Force India to Rethink Playing XI for 4th Test vs England
Injuries force India to consider XI changes for 4th Test vs England; Pant, Bumrah, Akash Deep all uncertain
India is likely to field a rejigged playing XI for the crucial fourth Test against England, starting July 23 at Old Trafford, Manchester. With the series poised at 2–1 in England‘s favor, the Indian team faces multiple selection dilemmas due to injuries and workload concerns.
Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for the fifth Test remains uncertain, which has complicated the team’s long-term bowling strategy. Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is nursing a finger injury he sustained during the third Test. Although Pant is doubtful to don the gloves, he may still feature as a specialist batter. In such a scenario, Dhruv Jurel is expected to continue as the wicketkeeper.
India’s bowling department has also taken a hit. Pacer Akash Deep is dealing with a groin strain and is unlikely to feature in the Manchester Test, while left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh has been ruled out after sustaining a cut on his bowling hand during a net session.
All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has also been ruled out for the remainder of the series due to a ligament injury. Reddy had bowled only sparingly in the IPL and was already being managed cautiously.
Despite poor form, Karun Nair is likely to retain his spot in the XI, largely due to Reddy’s absence. Nair has scored just 131 runs in six innings at an average of 21.83, with a top score of 40. Sai Sudharsan, who remains a promising option for the number three position, may still continue to warm the bench.
If Pant plays only as a batter, the combination of Jurel as wicketkeeper and Nair as a middle-order batter becomes more plausible. However, Reddy’s absence impacts the team’s lower-order batting depth and bowling balance. To address this, Shardul Thakur is under strong consideration to replace Reddy as the pace-bowling all-rounder. Thakur’s inclusion might come at the expense of Nair if the team opts for an extra seamer.
With Mohammed Siraj having bowled more than 100 overs in the series already, the management is weighing options to support the pace attack. If Akash Deep is unavailable, Prasidh Krishna or uncapped quick Anshul Kamboj could be drafted into the XI. Harshit Rana is also an outside contender for the role.
The final selection is expected to strike a delicate balance between player workload, injury management, and tactical necessity as India seeks to level the series heading into the final Test.
