India Suffer Major Setbacks Ahead of 4th Test: Key Players Ruled Out

India have suffered major injury blows just before the fourth Test match against England. Young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy and fast bowler Arshdeep Singh have both been ruled out. The fourth Test will be played at Old Trafford in Manchester from July 23.

Nitish Kumar Reddy, who was one of India’s top performers at Lord’s, has picked up a serious injury. As per reports, Reddy injured his knee during a gym session on Sunday, July 20 and damaged his ligament. He has been ruled out of the fourth Test.

Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh Out of Manchester Test

Reddy replaced Shardul Thakur in the playing XI of 2nd Test. Though he didn’t shine immediately, he played a key role with the ball in the third Test. He took important wickets in the first innings at Lord’s and helped India stay in the game. His absence will hurt India’s team balance. Reddy was the only pace-bowling all-rounder in the squad. Without him, India will struggle to find the right combination, especially with other injuries around.

Fast bowler Arshdeep Singh has also been ruled out of the Manchester Test. The left-arm pacer injured his bowling hand during a training session. He is yet to make his Test debut for India. This is a big setback for the Indian team as Arshdeep was expected to make his debut in the fourth Test, especially with the pitch at Old Trafford expected to help fast bowlers.

India injury list Manchester Test does not end here. India are also worried about the fitness of Akash Deep. The right-arm pacer played a big role in India’s win at Edgbaston in the second Test. However, he has a niggle and may not be available for the fourth Test.

If Akash Deep also misses out, India will have only Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj as experienced pace options. But both bowlers have played a lot of cricket in recent months. Bumrah has already played two Tests in the series and was rested for the third match. Siraj has had a busy red-ball calendar since 2024 and is reportedly close to burnout.

What About Rishabh Pant Injury?

India’s wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant is also not fully fit. He hurt his left finger on Day 1 of the Lord’s Test while keeping wickets. If Pant is not fit to keep wickets in the fourth Test, Dhruv Jurel is expected to take over the gloves. In this case, Pant can play purely as a batter while Jurel can bat at No. 6, replacing Reddy at that spot.

With injuries piling up, India have called in the Chennai Super Kings fast bowler Anshul Kamboj as cover. Kamboj had earlier impressed during India A matches. However, he was not retained due to Harshit Rana, who was chosen as the team’s backup. Now, with both Reddy and Arshdeep ruled out, Kamboj might get a chance to be in the Playing 11.

The fourth Test will be crucial as England lead the five-match series 2-1. India must win to stay alive in the Anderson Tendulkar Trophy. However, injuries are making it harder for the visitors to build a balanced and strong playing XI. It remains to be seen how Shubman Gill and his men bounce back after a setback at Lord's where they squandered a winning position.