IND vs ENG: Double Injury Blow for India Ahead of 4th Test as Bumrah Strategy Under Review
Team India’s preparations for the fourth Test against England have been rocked by two unexpected injury setbacks. With Arshdeep Singh injuring his hand and Akash Deep suffering a recurrence of a back injury, the Indian team management, led by captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir, is now re-evaluating its Jasprit Bumrah workload strategy ahead of the Manchester Test beginning July 23. IND vs ENG
Akash Deep’s Injury Adds to Woes
Pacer Akash Deep, who impressed in the second and third Tests, is likely to miss the crucial fourth Test at Old Trafford due to a recurring back issue. According to reports, the injury flared up again during the third Test at Lord’s, where Akash Deep was seen visibly struggling in England’s second innings. IND vs ENG
Despite bowling eight overs with notable effort, including two maidens and the crucial wicket of Harry Brook, the 28-year-old was forced to limp off the field due to discomfort. This has now been confirmed as a groin-related niggle, which stems from his persistent back problems. IND vs ENG
Arshdeep Singh’s Maiden Test Dream Delayed
Arshdeep Singh, who was being considered for his Test debut at Old Trafford in place of Jasprit Bumrah, also injured his bowling hand during a training session. Visuals from social media showed his left thumb heavily bandaged, indicating he’s unlikely to be fit in time for the 4th Test. IND vs ENG
With Arshdeep sidelined, India not only loses a left-arm pace option but also a chance to rotate Bumrah, whose workload is under strict management following his return from injury.
Jasprit Bumrah Workload Management Under Stress
India had initially planned to rest Bumrah for one of the two remaining Tests in the five-match series. Based on a report in the Times of India, it was decided that Bumrah and Akash Deep would alternate between the 4th and 5th Tests. That plan has now gone awry, with Akash Deep ruled out and Arshdeep not fully fit.
With India trailing 1-2 in the series and the 4th Test being a must-win, the management may now have to play Bumrah at Manchester despite the risk of overuse. IND vs ENG
Anshul Kamboj Added as Backup
As a precautionary move, the selectors have added Haryana’s young pacer Anshul Kamboj to the Indian squad as injury cover. While raw and inexperienced at this level, Kamboj is seen as a long-term prospect and could be drafted into the XI if needed. IND vs ENG
Kamboj’s call-up also underscores the shortage of fully-fit pacers in the Indian camp. Mohammed Siraj remains the only other senior pacer who has played all three Tests so far. Mukesh Kumar, meanwhile, has been rotated in and out and may be back in contention for Manchester. IND vs ENG
Team India’s Bowling Options for 4th Test
With Bumrah’s rest in doubt and Arshdeep/Akash Deep both injured, India may go into the 4th Test with the following bowling options:
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Jasprit Bumrah
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Mohammed Siraj
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Mukesh Kumar
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Ravindra Jadeja (if fit) or Axar Patel
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Ravichandran Ashwin
The team may also consider drafting in a fresh face like Anshul Kamboj if the conditions favour pace and Bumrah’s inclusion is deemed too risky. IND vs ENG
Shubman Gill and Gambhir Face Tactical Challenge
Shubman Gill, who was handed the captaincy for the series, and head coach Gautam Gambhir are now faced with their toughest challenge yet—fielding a potent bowling attack with two frontline pacers unavailable. With batting also under the scanner after the Lord’s collapse, the pressure is firmly on the Indian think tank to turn things around at Old Trafford. IND vs ENG
The 4th Test could also be a defining moment in Gill’s young captaincy career. Managing Bumrah’s workload while keeping India in the series will require a delicate balance of aggression and prudence.
India’s Position in the Series
England currently lead the five-match series 2-1, after a thrilling win at Lord’s. India had earlier bounced back in the second Test at Birmingham, thanks to Akash Deep’s brilliant six-wicket haul. Now, with him injured and the rotation plan broken, India’s momentum has taken another hit. IND vs ENG
Looking Ahead: Fifth Test at The Oval
While the focus is firmly on Manchester, India also needs to keep an eye on the fifth and final Test at The Oval. If Bumrah is forced to play both Tests back-to-back, the risk of burnout increases, especially with key white-ball assignments coming up later in the year. IND vs ENG
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