Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh IPL contracts in danger in England; investigation ordered

Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar raised concerns over the ongoing fitness challenges faced by India's fast bowlers ahead of the fourth Test against England. Manjrekar stated that Indian seam bowlers are not staying fit long enough, calling it a "serious issue" that needs to be addressed by Indian cricket.

India are preparing for the must-win match at Old Trafford in Manchester, starting on July 23. They trail 1-2 in the five-match series. However, their preparations have been disrupted by injuries to several key players, adding pressure on the visiting side following their 22-run defeat at Lord's in the third Test.

Akash Deep Ruled Out of Fourth Test vs England in Manchester

Akash Deep, who played a crucial role in India’s victory at Edgbaston, is dealing with a groin injury. The 28-year-old had returned to action after recovering from a back injury suffered during the Australia tour, which had sidelined him for three months. He made his comeback in IPL 2025 for Lucknow Super Giants.

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Akash Deep replaced the rested Jasprit Bumrah in the second Test and delivered a match-winning performance. He took 10 wickets, including 6-99 in the second innings, helping India to a 336-run win. However, he couldn't replicate that form at Lord’s, managing just one wicket across both innings.

Left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh sustained an injury to his bowling hand during a training session in Beckenham. In response to the injuries, Haryana pacer Anshul Kamboj has been added to the squad for the final two matches of the series.

All Untested Young Seam Bowlers with Talent - Sanjay Manjrekar After Akash Deep's Injury

Sanjay Manjrekar stated that India does have pace bowling options, but most of them are inexperienced. He noted that India have a limited pool of tested seamers available, despite the presence of raw talent.

"I think there is a choice. But there are all untested young seam bowlers with talent. Arshdeep is an exciting option, and Anshul Kamboj as well. I liked Harshit Rana in the one Test he played in Australia. There will always be seam bowlers around. But it is just the kind of scenario we have," Manjrekar said on ESPNcricinfo Match Day.

Jasprit Bumrah is expected to play three Tests in the ongoing series as part of workload management. He suffered a back issue during the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney earlier this year. The 31-year-old pacer has been taking precautions to avoid further injury.

We Just Don't Have Our Fast Bowlers Staying Fit Long Enough - Sanjay Manjrekar

Sanjay Manjrekar stated that India's seamers are struggling to remain fit. Manjrekar added that Akash Deep has not bowled a lot through the season but still suffered an injury. He called it a “serious issue” and urged the BCCI to investigate the root cause.

"With the IPL, white-ball cricket, and Tests, we just don't have our fast bowlers staying fit long enough. Akash Deep is a glaring example. It is not like he has bowled a lot through the season, and hence, now, fit or workload management was not addressed properly," Manjrekar said.

"I think it has become a serious issue where you don't have Indian seam bowlers staying fit long enough, and that has to be addressed by Indian cricket. We see young, exciting bowling talent in the IPL, and after three matches, they are not seen in the next season. Somebody needs to get to the bottom of it," he added.

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