Anshul Kamboj Joins Team India Squad with Arshdeep Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy Injured Ahead of 4th Test

Team India Injured Players List Before 4th Test

The Indian cricket team is already 2-1 down in the 5 match Test series and now they have some bad news prior to the 4th Test match to be played at the Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already confirmed that the left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh has been ruled out for the Manchester Test due to a thumb injury. Meanwhile, all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been released from the squad as he will miss both the upcoming Tests due to a left knee injury.

However, that is not the end at all. According to reports, Akash Deep who picked 10 wickets in the 2nd Test match in Birmingham, is also doubtful for the Manchester Test. BCCI though is yet to officially announce anything regarding the same with the management still hopeful that Akash will be fit in time for the 4th England vs India Test match at the Old Trafford ground.

Anshul Kamboj joins Indian team squad

Meanwhile, the BCCI has also confirmed that 24-years-old medium pacer Anshul Kamboj has been included in the squad ahead of the 4th Test match to add options for selection after the recent injury crisis.

Anshul has been called up to the Indian team for the first time after putting up an incredible display in the domestic competitions. In the Ranji Trophy 2024-2025 season, Kamboj took 34 wickets in 12 innings. His best performances include 10 wickets-haul in an inning vs Kerala. 

He traveled to England with the India A team and featured in the two unofficial matches against the England Lions in which he took 5 wickets.

How does all the changes impact Team India in the 4th Test vs England?

The recent changes in the Indian cricket team's squad ahead of the 4th Test match at the Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester does make a significant impact for the Indian team.

Complicated Playing XI Selection

Although Arshdeep Singh was not part of the Indian Playing XI but Nitish Kumar Reddy was a regular member of the Indian Test XI in this series. And if Akash Deep doesn't get fit in time for the 4th Test, then team India will not have the option of Arshdeep Singh either to replace Akash.

This complicates the playing XI. Shardul Thakur is currently the favourite to replace Nitish as a like-for-like replacement. However, team India might opt for Kuldeep Yadav instead to add spin bowling option. If the team opts to go with this option, this will significantly weaken the pace bowling and it will increase the spin bowling option to 3 spinners. However, according to the weather forecast, it is expected to be cloudy for all five days and pacers will be key to victory.

Prasidh Krishna might be in for Akash Deep

Meanwhile, if Akash Deep doesn't get fit in time for the 4th Test, the team management will not have any replacement options with Arshdeep Singh also injured while Prasidh Krishna has been expensive and looked out of touch in the first Two Tests. But they might be forced to use Prasidh. 

Other than that, Anshul Kamboj will be another option, but he has no prior international experience and might face lots of pressure in such a highly important match for Team India. Kamboj can also bat, so he can also be a good replacement option for Nitish Kumar Reddy.

If all the injury rumours are true, let's see how the Indian playing XI might look.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan/Karun Nair, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Anshul Kamboj/Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna/Kuldeep Yadav.

There are lots of questions, and we will find out all the answers during the India vs England 4th Test match at Old Trafford, Manchester. The