India’s cricket team is battling a growing list of injuries ahead of the crucial fourth and fifth Tests, forcing strategic changes and player shuffling to maintain their fight in the series.
Mounting Injury Concerns
The Indian cricket team faces a challenging period with several key players sidelined or managing injuries. This growing list of concerns is pushing the team management to rethink their strategies, especially with the series on the line.
Beyond individual player fitness, the team also needs to consider workload management for star pacers like Jasprit Bumrah. His availability for all remaining matches is a crucial factor, potentially impacting the team’s balance if he’s rested for the fifth Test.
Nitish Kumar Reddy Ruled Out
All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has unfortunately been ruled out of the remainder of the Test series. He suffered a ligament injury on Sunday, cutting short his tour.
Reddy’s injury history includes a side-strain during a white-ball series at home, followed by limited bowling in the IPL. His current setback means India loses a versatile option.
Pace Attack Under Pressure
India’s pace department is also feeling the strain. Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, who was in contention for a spot, is out of the fourth Test due to a cut on his bowling hand sustained during a net session.
Anshul Kamboj, who impressed in the A series, has been called in as cover, adding another option to the pace battery. Meanwhile, Akash Deep, after a strong start at Edgbaston, is grappling with a groin niggle.
Akash Deep is considered an unlikely starter for the Manchester Test. His recovery is crucial, especially with uncertainties around Bumrah’s availability for the final match, potentially forcing another SOS call to selectors.
Rishabh Pant’s Crucial Role
The team management is closely monitoring Rishabh Pant’s workload since his return from a severe accident. The priority has been to ensure his readiness for Test cricket.
Pant suffered a hand injury during the third Test, which led to Dhruv Jurel taking over wicketkeeping duties. While scans have not revealed major issues, the concern remains.
Heading into the Old Trafford Test, a key decision looms: will Pant play as a specialist batsman to manage his keeping workload, or will he resume his role behind the stumps?
- Nitish Kumar Reddy is out of the series due to a ligament injury.
- Arshdeep Singh is unavailable for the fourth Test due to a hand injury.
- Akash Deep is unlikely to play the fourth Test due to a groin niggle.
- Rishabh Pant’s hand injury and workload are being closely monitored, impacting his role.
- Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management could see him miss the fifth Test.
These injuries present a significant challenge for the Indian team as they aim to maintain their momentum and make crucial decisions for the upcoming matches.
