Injuries Hit India Ahead of Manchester Test, Anshul Kamboj To Replace Arshdeep Singh?

New Delhi (India) July 21: Ahead of the next Manchester Test match against England, the Indian team is anxious about fitness issues. 

Nitish Kumar Reddy has been ruled out of the series owing to a knee injury. Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh are unlikely to be fit on time for the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. 

Kamboj added to squad

According to reports, Haryana pacer Anshul Kamboj is going to make his debut in the Manchester test. He was added to the visitors' squad as a cover.

In the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025), Kamboj plays for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). He was purchased at a super auction for INR 3.40 crore. 

During the season, he took eight wickets at an average of 21.50. He has an economy of 8 from as many games. He had a successful domestic season in which he took 79 wickets in 24 games for Haryana. 

Kamboj had a great time with India-A during its two three-day match series against England Lions. The selectors were happy with his performance after he took five wickets in two games.

Arshdeep, Akash Deep injured

Akash Deep is suffering from a groin ache. Arshdeep is expected to require an additional 10 days for recovery. It would be exciting to see whether Kamboj is eventually selected for India's main squad. He joined the team on Sunday, July 20, 2025.

The team management had previously asked Harshit Rana to remain in England as a backup before the series against England started. Anshul Kamboj's performances in the India A series against the England Lions at the time led many to believe he was the best option.

After England won the first Test by five wickets, Rana was then sent back. Since injuries have been reported, the management chose to use Anshul Kamboj instead of Harshit Rana.

Under the guidance of trainer Adrian Le Roux, Akash Deep performed fitness exercises during training in Beckenham. Both Akash Deep and Arshdeep flew to Manchester from London on Saturday. It will be clear on Monday when India has a media conference if the injuries are serious or not.

Bumrah key for India

Before the series-deciding Test, India is currently in a difficult situation. Jasprit Bumrah's availability is even more crucial. Mohammed Siraj has bowled the most overs for the touring side. He is the only pacer to have participated in all three Test matches in this series.

The bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur played the first Test in Leeds. He is the only other specialist fast bowler in the team with Prasidh Krishna. Krishna has played the first two Tests.

England's 22-run win at Lord's has put them ahead 2-1 in the series. On July 23, India and England will play their fourth Test match at Old Trafford in Manchester.

Aadrika Tayal