With the fourth Test between India and England at Old Trafford, Manchester, commencing on July 23, 2025, the pivotal question revolves around Jasprit Bumrah's availability and potential replacement. Bumrah, India's pace spearhead, has been in outstanding form, having already taken 12 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls, in the series. However, concerns about his workload management, especially after his recovery from a back injury sustained during the Sydney Test in Australia, means he may only play one of the remaining two Tests.

Former Indian vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane has weighed in on the discussion, suggesting Arshdeep Singh as the ideal replacement for Bumrah if the latter is rested. Rahane, speaking on his YouTube channel on July 18, 2025, highlighted Arshdeep's unique attributes that make him a valuable asset in English conditions.

"If Bumrah is not playing, I think Arshdeep is the guy," Rahane stated. He emphasized the importance of a left-arm seamer who can swing the ball both ways in England. Arshdeep's left-arm angle, according to Rahane, can also create a rough patch on the pitch, providing assistance to the spinners. "He can also create a rough for the spinners with a different angle, and our spinners can also come into the picture," Rahane added.

Arshdeep Singh has yet to make his Test debut for India. However, he did have a stint in the County Championship for Kent County Club in 2023, where he took 13 wickets in five matches. Despite this, recent reports suggest that Arshdeep may be in doubt for the fourth test after suffering a cut to his hand during practice.

Rahane also emphasized the importance of India taking 20 wickets to win a test match and that India should consider playing an extra bowler in the Manchester Test. He made it clear that India would need another option along with Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, and Siraj to beat England in Manchester. He also spoke about the possibility of bringing in left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav if the conditions suit.

India currently trails 1-2 in the five-match series against England. After a convincing win in the second Test in Birmingham, India lost momentum, suffering defeats in Leeds and Lord's. The team's combination has been a topic of debate, with the inclusion of all-rounders over specialist bowlers. Despite contributions from all-rounders like Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, Rahane believes an extra bowler is crucial to secure a victory in Manchester.