India’s Test tour of England in 2025 just got a twist. With the series finely poised and the fourth Test knocking on the door, two injuries have shaken up the squad. Nitish Kumar Reddy is out of the series. Arshdeep Singh will miss the fourth Test. And in comes a new name—Anshul Kamboj.
Let’s unpack what happened, what it means, and how this reshuffle could impact the big match at Manchester starting July 23.
Nitish Kumar Reddy Ruled Out of the Series
First up, the more serious of the two injuries. Nitish Kumar Reddy, the Andhra all-rounder who’s been on the selectors’ radar for a while now, has been ruled out of the remainder of the series due to a left knee injury.
It’s unfortunate timing. Reddy brings balance to the side with his dual skills and athleticism in the field. His absence doesn’t just remove a backup option—it alters the team’s long-term planning.
He’ll be flying back home for recovery. And while the statement from the team management was brief—”wishing him a speedy recovery”—the tone was clear. Reddy is part of the bigger picture. They’ll want him back in contention soon.
Arshdeep Singh to Miss the Fourth Test
The other big blow came from the nets. Arshdeep Singh, who’s been growing into a dependable red-ball bowler for India, suffered an impact injury on his left thumb during a training session in Beckenham.
He’s been ruled out of the fourth Test in Manchester.
It’s a precautionary call, with the BCCI medical team keeping a close watch. But it does leave India a pacer short, especially given how well Arshdeep has been adapting to English conditions.
For a left-arm seamer who was beginning to make Test cricket a natural extension of his T20 expertise, this is a speed bump. Hopefully, it’s minor.
Anshul Kamboj Joins the Squad
Here’s the wildcard: Anshul Kamboj.
Not many casual fans will know the name. But the selectors clearly do. The 24-year-old pacer from Haryana has been added to the squad and has already joined the team in Manchester.
Kamboj has been knocking on the door through solid domestic performances. His call-up is a reward for consistency, hard work, and some sharp bowling in recent India A games.
He may not play immediately, but make no mistake—this is a big step. Being around the Test setup, training under Rahul Dravid’s guidance, and watching experienced bowlers like Bumrah, Siraj, and Shardul up close will only benefit him in the long run.
India’s Updated Squad for the Fourth Test
Here’s how the team now looks, post-updates:
Batters & Wicketkeepers:
- Shubman Gill (Captain)
- Rishabh Pant (Vice-Captain & WK)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Sai Sudharsan
- Abhimanyu Easwaran
- Karun Nair
- Dhruv Jurel (WK)
All-Rounders & Spinners:
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Washington Sundar
- Kuldeep Yadav
Pacers:
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohd. Siraj
- Shardul Thakur
- Prasidh Krishna
- Akash Deep
- Anshul Kamboj
What Does This Mean for Team Plan?
While he hasn’t cemented a spot in the XI yet, his flexibility with bat and ball offered options—especially if India wanted to go in with five bowlers. His absence means that the team may lean more heavily on Washington Sundar.
Now with Arshdeep out, that’s where the real challenge begins.
India typically prefers three front-line quicks in England. With Bumrah and Siraj automatic picks, the third spot will be a toss-up between:
- Shardul Thakur (for his lower-order batting)
- Prasidh Krishna (for pace and bounce)
- Akash Deep (more control and seam movement)
How Will the Manchester Pitch Play?
Historically, Old Trafford in Manchester is known for being pace-friendly on Day 1 and Day 2, before getting slower. It also assists spinners late in the match, so wrist spin from Kuldeep and finger spin from Jadeja or Sundar might come into play.
This is not a flat deck. Bowlers who can swing the ball and hit consistent areas will thrive. That’s why losing Arshdeep stings—his left-arm angle would’ve been proper.
That said, India still has firepower. And let’s be real—if Bumrah has one of those spells, conditions won’t matter.
Leadership Under Tension: Gill and Pant
With the series in the balance, all watches turn to Shubman Gill, who’s leading India in this high-stakes tour.
But this match will test his instincts, especially with two players ruled out and combinations needing adjustment.
Rishabh Pant, his deputy, also steps into a bigger role. His return to Test cricket has already been impactful. With the bat and behind the stumps
A Word on Anshul Kamboj
For those unfamiliar, Anshul Kamboj is a right-arm pacer who’s built a reputation for consistency in the domestic circuit. He bowls with decent pace, keeps it tight, and has the stamina for long spells.
He’s also played for India A and impressed against top domestic batters. Whether or not he gets a cap this Test, the exposure alone is invaluable.
Keep an eye on this name. He could be part of India’s pace rotation plan moving forward.
Final Thoughts: India’s Bench Strength Faces a Real Test
Let’s not sugarcoat it—losing two players days before a Test isn’t ideal. But this is where India’s bench strength will be judged.
Over the past few years, India has built a squad, not just a playing XI. Names like Siraj, Axar, Shardul, and Sundar have all stepped up when called upon. This time, it could be someone else.
The fourth Test at Manchester is shaping up to be intense. England at home. India slightly unsettled. Rain forecast in patches. It’s got all the makings of a classic.
And the way India responds—both tactically and mentally—will say a lot about where this team is headed under Gill’s leadership.
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