New Delhi: With Arshdeep Singh out due to a hand injury and Akash Deep dealing with recurring back issues, India’s injury woes can force the visitors to rejig their bowling attack for the upcoming 4th Test against England at Old Trafford in Manchester. There is also uncertainty regarding Jasprit Bumrah’s participation, as the senior pacer will play only one of the remaining two Tests in the five-match series.
However, the team management will be inclined towards including Bumrah in the mix with the series on the line in Manchester. Bumrah’s inclusion is also certain due to Akash Deep’s back issues, as the right-arm pacer is likely to miss the penultimate Test match of the series. Akash left the ground with a groin injury during England’s second innings in the third Test at Lord’s and hasn’t recovered fully yet.
During India’s first outdoor training session in Manchester, Akash Deep was not allowed to bowl due to his groin injury. The pacer, who was India’s hero at Edgbaston, was reduced to a mere spectator in the nets as he watched Prasidh Krishna and Anshul Kamboj bowl in full tilt during the training session.
Kamboj was added to India’s squad as a cover for the injured Arshdeep and might be in for a surprise debut in Manchester. The Haryana pace all-rounder and Prasidh Krishna are the two contenders to join Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj in India’s pace trio if Akash Deep fails to make the cut. Kamboj might get the nod as he can be an ideal like-for-like replacement for Akash Deep.
Anshul Kamboj to make his Test debut in Manchester?
It won’t be a major surprise if Kamboj manages to pip Prasidh to become India’s third pace alongside Bumrah and Siraj in the Manchester Test. Prasidh, who featured in the first two Tests against England, managed six wickets at an average of 55.16 and an economy of 5.33 before getting dropped. The right-arm pacer was often criticised for his lack of control and tendency to leak runs.
Prasidh’s wayward bowling in the first Test in Leeds was one of the key reasons behind India’s failure to create sustained pressure on England despite Bumrah’s masterclass. However, India might not have to worry as Kamboj offers what Prasidh hasn’t in the series so far. Known for his control and ability to extract seam movement, Kamboj can be a perfect replacement for Akash Deep.
Though the pacer has earned his maiden call-up in India’s Test squad, his inclusion in the Manchester Test shouldn’t come as a surprise. Kamboj has been a consistent performer in the domestic circuit for a while now and has been on the selectors’ radar. He has 79 first-class wickets to his name at an average of just over 22 and also has the nod of approval from the legendary MS Dhoni.
The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper was all praise for Kamboj during the IPL 2025, and lauded his ability to extract seam movement, which will be the key for him in England. Kamboj was also one of the standout performers with the ball for India A during their England tour before the ongoing Test series. He picked up five wickets in two matches and impressed with his pace and accuracy.
Fit and firing, Kamboj can be the solution to India’s injury woes ahead of the 4th Test and should be backed by the team management as the visitors look to save the series. India are currently trailing 2-1 and will be looking to bounce back to winning ways in Manchester to keep the series alive after their 22-run defeat at Lord’s.