IND vs ENG: Are India duo Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh Out of the Manchester Test?

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India faces significant concerns over its fast bowling resources heading into the crucial fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, with both Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh likely to miss out due to injuries.

India are currently trailing the series 1-2, and amid this, the double injury blow is a big concern for Gautam Gambhir and company.

IND vs ENG 4th Test: India Injury Updates

Arshdeep Singh suffered a cut to his bowling hand during a practice session in Beckenham while trying to stop a ball on his follow-through. The injury required stitches, making it highly unlikely that he will be fit for the fourth Test. Team sources indicate he will need at least ten days for recovery, ruling him out of contention for Manchester and making his participation in the fifth Test doubtful as well.

Akash Deep is nursing a groin niggle picked up in the previous Test at Lord's. He did not bowl or bat during recent practice sessions and was limited to fitness drills under the trainer's supervision. His availability remains clouded by uncertainty, with a clearer update expected after the team's scheduled media briefing on Monday.

Will Akash Deep and Arshdeep be available for Old Trafford Test?

With these injuries, selectors have called up Anshul Kamboj, a 24-year-old Haryana pacer, as cover for the final two Tests. Kamboj impressed with India A recently and was on the selectors' radar after standout domestic performances. Though uncapped, his addition offers India new pace options.

Arshdeep Singh is likely ruled out from the upcoming match, while Akash Deep's case is also tentative. MyKhel was told by a reliable source that although Arshdeep's injury remains a minor one, it may keep him out of action, at least for the 4th Test.

"His injury is minor, but the decision is up to the team management (whether Arshdeep will play). At the moment, he remains doubtful but we will only know further a day before the match," a source told MyKhel in condition of anonymity.

The team management is also closely monitoring the workload of Mohammed Siraj, who has played all three Tests so far, and is deliberating on the return of Jasprit Bumrah, especially with the series on the line.