On the eve of the crucial fourth Test at Manchester, Indian skipper Shubman Gill confirmed that pacer Akash Deep has been ruled out due to injury, adding to India’s growing injury concerns. Akash Deep joins Arshdeep Singh and Nitish Kumar Reddy on the sidelines, further straining India’s bowling resources.
Gill candidly acknowledged the challenge:
"It's never easy when there are a few injuries in the squad. Nitish Kumar Reddy is going to miss out on the series. Akash Deep is also unavailable for the next match, so is Arshdeep, but we have enough good players in the team to firstly, pick 20 wickets, that's been the most challenging part of the series. It is not ideal to have different bowlers, but I was prepared."
New Addition: Anshul Kamboj
Earlier this week, India added uncapped fast bowler Anshul Kamboj as an injury replacement for Nitish Kumar Reddy, who was ruled out due to a knee injury. Gill expressed confidence in the youngster, highlighting the skill set he brings:
"We have seen him enough. The kind of skillset he brings to the table is exactly what we want. We believe he can win us the match."
Gill also touched on the decisions behind selecting bowlers like Akash Deep earlier in the series, underscoring the faith the team management has in their squad’s depth:
"Even in the second Test match, lots of people had questions as to why Akash Deep was brought in. But it is mainly the belief we have in our squad, that any player is able to and can win matches for us."
The battle for the third pacer spot will be between Anshul Kamboj and Prasidh Krishna, who played in the first two Tests. One of them is expected to join established fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj in the playing XI.
Wicketkeeping Boost with Rishabh Pant
India also received a major boost with Rishabh Pant confirmed to take up wicketkeeping duties in the Manchester Test. Pant had suffered an injury during the Lord’s Test after taking a delivery from Bumrah but was unable to keep wickets for the rest of the game. His return behind the stumps comes as a relief for the team.
Support for Karun Nair’s Comeback
Gill also voiced support for batter Karun Nair, whose return to Test cricket after over eight years has yet to fully click. Nair has scored 131 runs across six innings so far, which is below expectations.
Gill remarked:
"We think Karun is batting well. Sometimes it’s not easy—in the first match, he didn’t really play at his number. It’s difficult when a player is making a comeback in a series like this. But I don’t think there’s been any issue with his batting; he’s been batting well."
He added that it’s about Nair getting an encouraging start:
"Sometimes it’s also about getting that click—once you’re able to make your 50, you get back into your zone and score big runs. Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened for him so far, but we are hopeful that he will be able to turn it around."
Looking Ahead
The fourth Test between England and India begins tomorrow, July 23, at Manchester. Despite the setbacks, India’s squad remains confident and focused on overcoming the challenges ahead in this closely contested series.
