India’s bowling attack faces a potential double blow ahead of the fourth Test against England, with left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh likely ruled out and Akash Deep also struggling with a niggle.
Arshdeep Singh’s Unfortunate Training Injury
Left-arm swing bowler Arshdeep Singh is expected to miss the upcoming fourth Test against England in Manchester. The 26-year-old sustained a cut on his bowling hand during a net session on Thursday.
The injury occurred when he attempted to stop a powerful shot from Sai Sudharsan on his follow-through. His hand required stitches, making it highly improbable for him to be fit in time for the match.
While Arshdeep hasn’t yet made his Test debut, he was a strong contender for a spot if the team management decided to rest one of the frontline pacers. This injury now puts those plans on hold.
India’s assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, confirmed the incident, stating that the medical team was assessing the severity of the cut and its implications for the team’s planning.
Akash Deep’s Recurring Groin Issue
Adding to India’s concerns is the uncertainty surrounding Akash Deep’s availability. The pacer is currently battling a groin niggle and did not participate in a recent net session before the team’s departure for Manchester.
Akash Deep had to leave the field during the third Test at Lord’s on Day 4 due to discomfort, clutching his waist. While he returned to the field later, he did not bowl again in that innings.
This isn’t Akash Deep’s first brush with injuries; he has a history of setbacks, having been sidelined during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2024 and also in the 2025 IPL season. His recurring issues pose a significant worry for the team’s fast-bowling resources.
Broader Injury Concerns for Team India
These latest injuries compound existing worries for the Indian squad. Wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant also sustained an injury to his left index finger during the first innings of the Lord’s Test while collecting a delivery from Jasprit Bumrah.
Pant was visibly in pain and did not keep wickets for the remainder of that match. The team is now juggling multiple fitness concerns as they head into a crucial phase of the series.
- Arshdeep Singh is likely out of the fourth Test due to stitches on his bowling hand from a training injury.
- Akash Deep is doubtful for the match, suffering from a groin niggle and a history of injuries.
- Wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant is also nursing a finger injury from the previous Test.
- The injuries could force India to adjust their playing XI and strategies for the Manchester Test, which begins on July 23.
The Indian team faces a significant challenge in managing its squad’s fitness as they prepare for the next Test in Manchester, hoping to overcome these setbacks and maintain their competitive edge.
