Blow for India! Arshdeep Singh all but ruled out of England Tests, another star pacer could follow

The India National Cricket Team has suffered a fresh setback ahead of the do-or-die fourth Test against England, starting on July 23 at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester. The left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh is likely to be ruled out of the crucial Test match due to a painful injury.

Arshdeep Singh, who was in line to make his Test debut, picked up a nasty cut on his bowling hand while training that has now threatened to shatter his dream of making his debut in England. The 26-year-old suffered the injury while stopping a powerful drive from Sai Sudharsan during nets.

Arshdeep Singh likely to be ruled out of Manchester Test

Following the hit, the young pacer required immediate stitching. With the wound still healing, the pacer is now doubtful not just for the fourth Test, but possibly even for the rest of the ongoing five-match Test series against England.

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A source close to the development told The Indian Express, “He has stitches on his hand and likely won’t be available for the fourth Test match; the Indian team will see if he is ready for the fifth Test or not.”

Recently, India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate had stated, “Arshdeep Singh took a ball while he was bowling there, Sai hit a ball, and he tried to stop it, and it’s just a cut."

Akash Deep’s groin strain raises big concerns for India

To make things worse, the Indian camp is also sweating over the fitness of Akash Deep, who is nursing a groin strain and skipped the most recent practice session. Akash Deep sustained a groin strain on Day 4 of the third Test at Lord’s, where he suddenly walked off the field during the 28th over of England’s innings.

The 28-year-old looked in visible pain as he clutched his waist and headed straight to the dressing room with the team physio. However, the pacer returned to the field later in the day, but he did not bowl again. Earlier, Akash missed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia and the IPL 2025 due to a back injury.

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If he fails to regain match fitness, it would be a major blow for India, as he has been in great form with the ball, taking 11 wickets in two matches in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy so far.

India’s injury crisis could force Jasprit Bumrah into action

This double injury scare has thrown India's plans into disarray before the do-or-die Test match in Manchester. Arshdeep Singh was a strong contender to make his debut if one of the frontline fast bowlers were to be rested.

But now, with both Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep uncertain, the Indian cricket team might have to rethink its bowling strategy for the fourth Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test against England.

They have been planning to rest Jasprit Bumrah for the fourth Test, but considering the current situation, the premier fast bowler might be forced to take the field in the remaining two Tests.