Injury Setbacks for India Ahead of Fourth Test; Anshul Kamboj Called Up as Cover

India have suffered a double blow ahead of the crucial fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, with fast bowlers Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh likely to miss the match due to injury. In response, the selectors have drafted in Haryana pacer Anshul Kamboj as cover for the final two matches of the five-Test series.

Arshdeep, who is yet to make his Test debut, sustained an injury to his bowling hand during a training session in Beckenham on Thursday. Meanwhile, Akash Deep, who played a pivotal role in India’s win at Birmingham with a ten-wicket haul, has picked up a groin niggle. Both players have traveled with the squad to Manchester but did not participate in full training, casting doubt over their availability.

The injuries come at a pivotal point in the series, with England currently leading 2-1. The fourth Test, starting July 23, presents India with a chance to level the series and keep their hopes alive in the contest for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate had already indicated that Arshdeep’s injury was a concern. Akash Deep, who had struggled for rhythm in the third Test at Lord’s and required treatment during the match, also did not bowl or bat during the latest training session, instead undergoing fitness drills under the supervision of trainer Adrian Le Roux.

Arshdeep, optimistic at the start of training, joked about making up for lost time: “I'll bowl a lot today, cover all the work of a week, and then go and shop.” But the session ended prematurely for the left-armer, who left the field with his bowling hand taped after appearing to cut his finger.

The twin setbacks have amplified the importance of Jasprit Bumrah’s potential return. Bumrah has been rested so far in the series, but with the series hanging in the balance, India may be forced to recall their premier fast bowler. Ten Doeschate earlier noted that India were "leaning towards" playing Bumrah in Manchester, but his inclusion will depend on conditions and the physical condition of the rest of the pace attack.

With Mohammed Siraj having played all three Tests and leading India’s bowling workload, the team will need to manage his fitness carefully. The squad’s other fast-bowling options include Prasidh Krishna, who featured in the first two Tests, and allrounder Shardul Thakur, who played in Leeds.

To shore up their pace options, India have called up 24-year-old Anshul Kamboj. The stocky right-arm quick was part of the India A squad earlier this year and impressed with a four-wicket haul in the second unofficial Test against England Lions in Northampton. In the same match, he also showed his batting ability with an unbroken 149-run stand alongside Tanush Kotian.

The selection of Kamboj adds depth but also reflects the growing injury concerns in the Indian camp. With just two Tests left and the series finely poised, India face a stern challenge not only from the opposition but also from their own injury list.

England, buoyed by their dramatic 22-run win at Lord’s, will look to seal the series at Old Trafford, while India fight to keep it alive.