India’s cricket team received a major lift ahead of the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, with confirmation that Jasprit Bumrah will feature, alongside promising signs for Rishabh Pant’s wicketkeeping return. This boost comes as the team navigates an injury crisis following the Lord’s Test, with the series hanging in the balance at 2-1 in England’s favor.
Mohammed Siraj shared the encouraging update in Manchester on Monday, stating, “So far, we only know that Jassi [Bumrah] bhai will play,” addressing concerns about the pace attack amid injuries to Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh. The news stabilizes India’s bowling plans as they prepare for the July 23, 2025, clash.
Rishabh Pant also showed resilience, completing a grueling two-hour training session that included wicketkeeping drills and batting practice. Despite a finger injury from Lord’s, where he couldn’t keep after the first innings but batted in both, Pant’s performance suggests he’s on track. However, without a substitute wicketkeeper at Old Trafford, any relapse could see Dhruv Jurel step in, though Monday’s nets session eased those concerns.
The injury list grows with allrounder Nitish Kumar Reddy ruled out of the series due to a knee issue, paving the way for Sai Sudharsan’s potential return. Sudharsan, who scored 0 and 30 in the first Test at Headingley, could replace Washington Sundar, with Shardul Thakur possibly stepping in as a fourth seamer if conditions favor pace over spin.
Akash Deep’s fitness remains a puzzle. He bowled lightly into Morne Morkel’s mitts on Monday, but his groin niggle leaves his participation uncertain. The medical team will monitor him until match eve, with a possible rest strategy if Bumrah plays here but skips the fifth Test at The Oval, starting three days later. Manchester’s forecast of light showers on days one, two, and five might ease Bumrah’s workload, though a series decider at The Oval could see him play a fourth Test.
If Akash is unfit, Prasidh Krishna or uncapped Anshul Kamboj will join Bumrah and Siraj. Prasidh’s series stats (55.16 average, 5.33 economy) reflect his short-pitched strategy, yielding two wickets at Headingley but runs at Edgbaston. Kamboj, a 24-year-old with 79 first-class wickets at 22.88 since 2022, brings seam movement and MS Dhoni’s IPL-endorsed approval, making him a strong contender for a debut.
India’s focus now shifts to balancing their attack and ensuring Pant’s fitness, as they aim to level the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series.
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