India is facing a major challenge as they head into the fourth Test against England in Manchester, with a growing injury list and selection concerns. The team’s preparations have been marred by uncertainty surrounding pacer Jasprit Bumrah’s participation, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant’s injured finger, and Arshdeep Singh’s fitness issues. With the series hanging in the balance, India must win the upcoming Test to stay alive in the contest.

Jasprit Bumrah’s Participation Remains Uncertain

Jasprit Bumrah has been a crucial part of India’s bowling attack, but his availability for the fourth Test has been a point of concern for the team management. Earlier in May, Ajit Agarkar, the selector, revealed that Bumrah would only feature in three out of the five Tests in England. This led to a guessing game regarding which two Tests would be missed, with India already 0-1 down after the Headingley Test.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his availability, Bumrah was not part of the playing XI in the second Test at Birmingham, where India secured a massive victory by 336 runs. However, the management has suggested that Bumrah could make his return for the fourth Test at Old Trafford, though no official confirmation has been made.

India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate mentioned that the team is “leaning” towards playing Bumrah in the fourth Test, indicating a possibility of the pacer being included in the lineup. However, India’s decision to rest Bumrah in the second Test raised questions about whether the pacer would be included for the crucial match at Old Trafford.

Pacers Skip Bowling in Practice Sessions

India’s injury woes have only compounded their worries. The pacers, including Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep, skipped bowling in the practice session in Beckenham, just outside London. In the Lord’s Test, Siraj and Akash Deep bowled significant overs, with Siraj sending down 36.3 overs and Akash Deep contributing 31 overs in the loss. In comparison, Bumrah bowled 43 overs in the same Test.

The decision not to bowl in practice sessions could be a precautionary measure to manage the workload on the bowlers, especially considering the demanding nature of the series. The team management has been closely monitoring the fitness levels of the pacers to avoid further injuries and ensure peak performance in the upcoming match.

Rishabh Pant’s Injury Concerns

In addition to the concerns about Bumrah’s fitness, India is now dealing with the injury of wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant. Pant injured his left index finger on Day One of the Lord’s Test while keeping wicket. After the injury, he was restricted to playing only as a batter, with Dhruv Jurel stepping in as the wicketkeeper.

Although Jurel did concede 25 byes in the second innings, the margin of England’s victory was only 22, meaning that the missed byes did not significantly impact the outcome. However, the situation has raised concerns about Pant’s ability to perform dual duties behind the stumps and as a batter.

Pant’s injury has been troubling, with the keeper visibly wincing whenever his bat made contact with the ball. Despite this, India is giving him ample time to recover before making a final decision. The fourth Test is still some time away, and the team hopes that Pant will regain full fitness in time. If Pant is unable to take up his role as wicketkeeper, Jurel will continue in the role, while Pant may play purely as a specialist batter.

Arshdeep Singh’s Fitness Issues Add to the Woes

As if the injuries to key players were not enough, India is also dealing with a fitness concern surrounding Arshdeep Singh, the uncapped left-arm pacer. Arshdeep sustained an injury to his bowling hand during the practice session in Beckenham, further complicating India’s selection decisions for the upcoming Test.

Arshdeep had been one of the players in contention for the third seamer’s position, especially if Bumrah were to be rested. However, with Arshdeep’s injury, India now faces a dilemma regarding the availability of their pacers. The team was hoping to rely on Arshdeep and Prasidh Krishna, who played in the first two Tests, but with Arshdeep’s fitness now uncertain, India may have to explore other options.

Selection Dilemma Deepens

The injuries to Bumrah, Pant, and Arshdeep have left India in a selection quandary ahead of the fourth Test. If Bumrah is unavailable, Arshdeep and Prasidh Krishna could be in the race for the third seamer’s spot. However, with Arshdeep’s injury, the management will have to reassess their options. The team may need to call upon additional fast bowlers or alter the balance of the side to cover for the absence of key players.

India’s selection issues are further complicated by the fact that they need to win the fourth Test to keep their hopes of a series comeback alive. The team has already lost the first Test at Headingley and is looking to make a strong comeback in Manchester. The uncertainty over player availability and fitness is adding to the pressure, making the selection process even more critical.

Can India Bounce Back in Manchester?

Despite the challenges posed by injuries and fitness concerns, India has a strong squad capable of making a comeback in the fourth Test. The team’s performance in the second Test at Birmingham demonstrated their resilience, and they will need to replicate that performance in Manchester to stay alive in the series.

India will hope that Bumrah’s return, if he is fit enough to play, will provide the much-needed boost to their bowling attack. Pant’s recovery will also be crucial, as his contributions as both a wicketkeeper and a batter make him a key player in the lineup. Additionally, the fitness of Arshdeep Singh will be monitored closely, with the team needing all hands on deck to challenge England in the crucial match.

India’s selection and injury issues have created a tense atmosphere as they approach the fourth Test against England. With Bumrah’s participation in doubt, Pant’s finger injury, and Arshdeep’s fitness concerns, the team management will have to make crucial decisions in the coming days. India must field their best possible team to have any hope of keeping the series alive. The next Test at Old Trafford is set to be a critical one, and how India handles these challenges will play a decisive role in their quest for a comeback.