Nitish Kumar Reddy Ruled Out of India vs England Series? Injury Update and Squad Changes
Team India has been hit by a fresh injury setback ahead of the fourth Test of the India vs England series in Manchester. Promising all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy is likely ruled out of the remainder of the series after sustaining a left knee injury during a gym session on Sunday.
While official confirmation is awaited, reports from Cricbuzz and PTI strongly suggest that Reddy will miss the rest of the series. This development adds to India’s growing list of fitness concerns as the team prepares for the fourth Test starting Wednesday at Old Trafford.
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Injury: What Happened?
Nitish Kumar Reddy, who featured in the second and third Tests, reportedly hurt himself during a mobility training session. The team was training indoors due to heavy rain in Manchester, and the injury occurred during a gym-based workout. Nitish Kumar Reddy ruled out of India vs England series
According to Cricbuzz, the exact extent of the injury is still unclear, but Nitish was taken to the hospital for scans on his left knee. Given the short turnaround time and the cautious approach of the Indian team management toward player fitness, it is unlikely that he will take part in the final two matches of the five-Test series. Nitish Kumar Reddy ruled out of India vs England series
Reddy’s presence in the squad had added much-needed balance, especially as a backup seam-bowling all-rounder. With his injury, India’s bench strength has taken a significant hit.
Missed Meet-Up With Manchester United Players
Reddy, along with senior batter KL Rahul, also missed Team India’s promotional visit to Old Trafford for a meet-up with Manchester United players. While there is no injury update regarding Rahul, his absence was noticeable. In contrast, Reddy’s injury likely kept him from attending the event altogether.
The gym accident reportedly occurred earlier on the same day the team visited the football club’s facilities. With the match approaching, Reddy’s recovery timeline doesn’t look promising.
Injury Crisis: Kamboj Comes In As Cover
Adding to the selection headache, India also has fitness doubts over Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh. As a result, Anshul Kamboj, the Haryana pacer, has been added to the squad as cover for the upcoming Manchester Test. Nitish Kumar Reddy ruled out of India vs England series
Akash Deep is reportedly dealing with a groin niggle, an injury he may have carried into the third Test at Lord’s. Despite playing through discomfort, his availability remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, Arshdeep Singh is yet to make his debut in the series, and according to PTI, is unlikely to be considered for selection in Manchester due to lingering fitness concerns.
In light of these setbacks, selectors opted to bring in Kamboj, a young and upcoming fast bowler who impressed in recent domestic red-ball matches. While it is unlikely he will be in the starting XI, his inclusion gives India a safety net in the pace department.
India’s Bowling Resources Are Stretching Thin
With Jasprit Bumrah being rested earlier in the series and Mohammed Siraj managing a heavy workload, the bench is being tested. Akash Deep’s performances were promising in the two Tests he played, especially in Birmingham where he impressed with swing and discipline. Nitish Kumar Reddy ruled out of India vs England series
If Akash Deep fails to prove fitness, and Arshdeep remains unfit, India may need to field an inexperienced bowling attack or rely on all-rounders like Shardul Thakur to balance the XI. The team could also be forced to play two spinners, depending on the pitch and weather conditions in Manchester.
What Reddy’s Absence Means for Team Balance
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s injury is a significant blow, not just because of his potential, but also due to his versatility. In the third Test, he contributed in both departments and provided a steady option in the lower middle order.
His absence reduces the team’s flexibility in playing three pacers plus an all-rounder, a strategy that worked well in the last two matches. It also limits India’s options if the top-order batters continue to underperform or if the match requires a flexible batting order. Nitish Kumar Reddy ruled out of India vs England series
Who Could Replace Reddy in the XI?
Assuming India continues with the same structure, Reddy’s spot could go to either:
-
Shardul Thakur: Experienced in English conditions and provides both seam bowling and batting depth.
-
Washington Sundar: If India opts for spin over pace, Sundar’s all-round skills and left-handed batting could come in handy. Nitish Kumar Reddy ruled out of India vs England series
-
Mukesh Kumar: A pure pacer, Mukesh could play if the team goes for a pace-heavy attack and sacrifices all-round depth. Nitish Kumar Reddy ruled out of India vs England series
Another factor that could influence selection is KL Rahul’s return. If fit, Rahul could strengthen the middle order, allowing the management to play five bowlers.
Key Dates & What to Watch
-
4th Test Starts: Wednesday, July 17 at Old Trafford, Manchester
-
India Leads Series: 2-1
-
Weather Forecast: Rain expected on Day 2 and 4
-
Eyes on: Bumrah’s return, Rahul’s fitness, and Akash Deep’s availability
Conclusion: India Walking Injury Tightrope Ahead of 4th Test
The news of Nitish Kumar Reddy ruled out of India vs England series comes at a critical juncture. India holds a 2-1 lead and will look to seal the series in Manchester. However, mounting injuries are beginning to test the team’s depth and adaptability. Nitish Kumar Reddy ruled out of India vs England series
With three pacers either injured or recovering (Reddy, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep), the decision to include Anshul Kamboj makes strategic sense. But the onus will now be on the team management to maintain the right balance and navigate the rest of the series smartly. Nitish Kumar Reddy ruled out of India vs England series
The next 48 hours will be crucial as Team India monitors player recoveries, evaluates replacements, and attempts to keep the momentum going against a strong England side eager to bounce back.
For more updates, follow Cricmind on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube.
