Just days before the crucial fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, Team India faces another major concern in their already strained pace attack. With doubts surrounding the availability of star quick Jasprit Bumrah and fatigue-related worries with Mohammed Siraj, India’s injury list continues to grow. Emerging left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh is likely to miss the fourth Test after sustaining a hand injury during a practice session.
During a net session earlier this week, Arshdeep was hit on his bowling hand while trying to stop a straight drive from Sai Sudharsan. As per a report in the Indian Express, he received stitches and is now a doubtful starter for the upcoming match at Old Trafford, Manchester, which begins on July 23.
A source close to the team shared, “He has stitches on his hand and is unlikely to be ready for the fourth Test. His availability for the fifth Test will depend on how well the injury heals.”
Arshdeep Singh, although yet to make his Test debut, was reportedly being considered for selection for the Manchester Test. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate had earlier suggested Arshdeep was in contention due to uncertainty over Bumrah’s fitness and Siraj’s workload.
Ten Doeschate stated, “Sai hit a shot during practice and Arshdeep tried to stop it, resulting in a cut on his hand. The medical team took him to a doctor, and depending on whether he needs stitches or not, we’ll plan accordingly.”
Adding further concern to the bowling lineup, Akash Deep, India’s standout performer from the Birmingham Test where he claimed 10 wickets, is also doubtful for the fourth match. Akash is nursing a groin niggle sustained during Day 4 of the Lord’s Test. He had to leave the field mid-over due to pain and later returned but did not bowl again. He also skipped the team’s training session before their departure to Manchester.
Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is under observation after injuring his left index finger during England’s first innings in the third Test. Although he didn’t return to keep wickets, with Dhruv Jurel taking over, Pant did bat in both innings.
India is now staring at a must-win scenario going into the fourth Test at Old Trafford, a venue where they have historically struggled. The team has never recorded a win in Manchester in nine outings—losing four and drawing five. With critical players under injury clouds, the Indian side faces an uphill battle to level the series.
