Team India faces a selection dilemma ahead of the crucial fourth Test against England at Old Trafford in Manchester, starting July 23. A fresh injury to left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh has added to the existing concerns surrounding the fitness of wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant.
Arshdeep Singh sustained a cut on his bowling hand during a net session while attempting to stop a shot from Sai Sudharsan. The extent of the injury is still being evaluated, and the medical team is determining whether stitches are necessary. India's assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, confirmed the injury and acknowledged that Arshdeep's availability would be critical in the team's planning for the must-win fixture. "Arshdeep took a ball while he was bowling there, Sai hit a ball and he tried to stop it and it's just a cut. So we have to see how bad the cut is," Doeschate said. He further added, "Obviously, the medical team have taken him off to see a doctor and obviously, if he needs stitches or doesn't need stitches it's going to be important to our planning for the next few days".
Arshdeep, who is yet to make his Test debut, was reportedly in consideration to play in the fourth Test, especially if the team management decided to rest Jasprit Bumrah. His experience in county cricket with Kent and his proven record in shorter formats made him a strong contender. Doeschate also hinted that the team combination for the Old Trafford Test now hinges on the severity of Arshdeep's injury.
Adding to India's worries is the injury to Rishabh Pant, who was struck on the index finger of his left hand during England's first innings in the third Test at Lord's. Pant was visibly in pain and did not keep wickets for the remainder of the Test. Although India captain Shubman Gill expressed confidence that Pant would be fit for the fourth Test, the team management is closely monitoring his progress. During the optional training session, Pant stayed away from batting or keeping drills, opting instead for light workouts. There was no taping on his finger, but it's understood that the pain from the impact still lingers. Ten Doeschate sounded hopeful that Pant would bat in Manchester before the Test.
Despite the injury concerns, there is some positive news for the Indian camp. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has "all but confirmed" that Jasprit Bumrah will play in the fourth Test. Before the Test series, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had stated that Bumrah would feature in only three matches to manage his workload. He missed the second Test, which India won. With the series on the line, the team management is inclined to include Bumrah in the playing XI for the crucial Manchester Test. "We'll make that call in Manchester. We know we've got him for one of the last two Tests. I think it's pretty obvious the series is on the line now in Manchester, so there will be a leaning towards playing him," Doeschate said. However, he added that the final decision would consider multiple factors, including weather conditions and strategy for both remaining Tests.
With the series currently standing at 2-1 in England's favor, India needs to win the fourth Test to stay alive in the five-match series. The injuries to key players like Arshdeep Singh and Rishabh Pant have undoubtedly created a selection headache for the team management. The final playing XI will depend on the extent of these injuries and the team's overall strategy for the crucial Test match.
