Manchester, July 23, 2025 – As the fourth Test between India and England commenced today at Old Trafford, Manchester, both teams are grappling with significant injury concerns that could prove decisive in this crucial encounter. With England holding a commanding 2-1 lead in the five-match series, India finds themselves in a must-win situation while managing an unprecedented injury crisis that has forced multiple changes to their playing XI.
Ruled Out Players
Nitish Kumar Reddy – The promising all-rounder has been completely ruled out of the remaining two Tests due to a left knee injury. Reddy, who had shown promise at Lord’s in just his second outing of the series, will fly back home, dealing a significant blow to India’s batting depth and bowling options.
Akash Deep – The pace bowler who was instrumental in India’s Birmingham victory with a 10-wicket haul has been ruled out of the fourth Test due to a groin injury. Captain Shubman Gill confirmed that Deep, who limped off during the third Test at Lord’s, has not returned to full fitness in time for the Manchester encounter.
Arshdeep Singh – The left-arm pacer will miss the fourth Test after suffering a cut on his bowling hand during net practice. The medical team has been monitoring the wound, with stitches potentially required, making his participation highly doubtful.
Fitness Concerns
Rishabh Pant – The wicket-keeper batsman injured his left index finger while keeping in the third Test at Lord’s. However, there’s positive news as Pant has made a full recovery and is expected to take the gloves in the fourth Test. Captain Gill confirmed Pant’s participation as wicketkeeper at the pre-match press conference.
Jasprit Bumrah – India’s pace spearhead recently returned from a back issue and was rested during the second Test. While he bowled at full pace in nets this week and is likely to play, his workload management remains a concern given the series situation.
Team Changes and New Faces- India’s Likely Playing XI Adjustments
With multiple forced changes, India is expected to hand a Test debut to Anshul Kamboj, the 24-year-old Haryana pacer who has impressed in training and during the India A tour. Kamboj, who has taken 79 wickets in 24 First-Class matches, is competing with Prasidh Krishna for the third pacer slot alongside confirmed selections Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
In the batting department, Sai Sudharsan is likely to replace Karun Nair at the crucial No. 3 position, marking the second time in the series that India has changed their one-drop batsman. Shardul Thakur is expected to come in for the injured Reddy, though he doesn’t offer the same batting strength that made India’s lower-order formidable.
England’s Stable Selection
Confirmed Changes
England have taken a more straightforward approach, announcing their playing XI in advance with just one change from their Lord’s victory. Liam Dawson steps in to replace the injured Shoaib Bashir, who fractured his finger while fielding on Day 3 of the previous Test.
The 35-year-old Dawson returns to Test cricket after nearly eight years, having last played in 2017. His inclusion brings left-arm orthodox spin to the attack and strengthens the batting unit, with Dawson boasting an impressive record of 18 first-class centuries.
England’s Confirmed XI
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- Ollie Pope
- Joe Root
- Harry Brook
- Ben Stokes (captain)
- Jamie Smith (wicket-keeper)
- Liam Dawson
- Chris Woakes
- Brydon Carse
- Jofra Archer
Strategic Implications
The injury crisis has forced India to potentially abandon their preferred three-all-rounder combination that provided batting depth up to No. 8. With rain predicted throughout the Manchester Test and seam-friendly conditions expected, the match is likely to favor the quicker bowlers, making India’s pace bowling depth crucial.
Captain Shubman Gill acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating: “It’s never easy when there are injuries going around in the squad. It’s not ideal when you know you have a different combination after every match”. However, he expressed confidence in the team’s bench strength, adding: “We have good players in the team to pick twenty wickets”.
The venue itself presents additional challenges for India, who have never won at Old Trafford in nine previous outings, recording four defeats and five draws. With the series finely poised and England needing just one more victory to clinch the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, today’s Test promises to be a defining moment in what has already been a gripping contest between two evenly matched sides.
As both teams take the field under overcast Manchester skies, the injury-depleted Indian side will need to summon extraordinary resilience to keep their series hopes alive against a confident English outfit riding high on their Lord’s triumph.
