Injury Concerns Mount for India Ahead of Crucial Manchester Test Against England

India’s preparation for the must-win fourth Test in Manchester has hit a few bumps, with concerns mounting over the fitness of key players. While there’s relief that Jasprit Bumrah looks good to go, the latest blow involves Arshdeep Singh, who picked up a hand injury during practice on Thursday.

Arshdeep, who’s been on the sidelines so far in the England series, was in the running to finally earn his debut in the longest format. But those hopes have now been thrown into doubt. During a net session at Old Trafford, the left-arm pacer was struck on his bowling hand while trying to stop a firm drive from Sai Sudharsan in his follow-through. It didn’t look too serious at first, but the medical team didn’t waste time and rushed in to assess the damage. He was later taken for further examination to determine whether stitches would be necessary. 

“It’s just a cut,” said India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate. “He took a ball while bowling – Sai hit it back and Arshdeep tried to stop it. The doctors have taken him to have a look. Whether he needs stitches or not will be important to our plans over the next few days.” While Arshdeep’s debut now hangs in the balance, the focus is also on Rishabh Pant’s fitness. The wicketkeeper-batter took a blow to his left index finger during the third Test at Lord’s and didn’t keep wickets for the remainder of the match. He did, however, bat — scoring 74 in the first innings and nine in the second — despite visible discomfort. 

India lost that Test by 22 runs and now trail the five-match series 2-1, making the fourth Test a do-or-die clash. Pant’s return could be vital not just with the bat but also behind the stumps. However, it’s still unclear whether he’ll be fully fit in time. “We’re giving him as much time as possible,” ten Doeschate said. “If he’s fit, he plays. He batted with quite a lot of pain in the third Test, and it should only get easier from here.” 

Captain Shubman Gill, speaking after the Lord’s defeat, was confident about Pant’s availability. “He will bat in Manchester before the Test. I don't think one is going to keep Rishabh out of the Test, no matter what.” If Pant doesn’t recover in time, Dhruv Jurel, who kept wickets in the second innings at Lord’s, is likely to step in again. “He is in the equation,” ten Doeschate confirmed. “But obviously, if Rishabh is fit, he plays the next Test and does both.” 

The one bright spot in India’s injury report is Jasprit Bumrah. Rested for the third Test, Bumrah is expected to return to lead the attack. “We’ll make that call in Manchester,” ten Doeschate said. “But it’s pretty obvious – the series is on the line now, so there’s a leaning towards playing him.” 

With the series at a critical juncture, India can hardly afford any more setbacks. The hope now is that both Pant and Arshdeep recover in time to be available for what promises to be a high-stakes clash at Old Trafford starting July 23.