Gautam Gambhir told to bring Hardik Pandya back for England Tests as Nitish Kumar Reddy gets ruled out

The India National Cricket Team has been hit with a massive setback just before the fourth Test against England in Manchester. Young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been ruled out of the remainder of the ongoing five-match Test series against England.

As reported by several media outlets, Nitish Kumar Reddy had travelled with the India National Cricket Team to Manchester and was expected to play a key role in the must-win Test against England at the Old Trafford Cricket Ground. But he has not taken part in the team’s optional training session on Sunday, July 20, in Manchester.

Nitish Kumar Reddy ruled out of the Manchester Test!!

Now, it has been confirmed that Reddy has suffered a knee injury, and medical scans have revealed ligament damage. This injury was reportedly sustained during a gym session, and with a ligament tear confirmed, there is no hope of recovery in time for the remainder of the Test series.

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Read Also: Jasprit Bumrah doubtful for Manchester Test!! "Doctor’s call" to decide availability

However, the BCCI is yet to release an official statement, but sources close to the team have revealed that Reddy has been ruled out for the last two tests against England. After this blow, the Indian team management is scrambling for answers, but fans can’t keep calm.

Akash Deep is uncertain for the Manchester Test with a groin injury that he suffered at Lord's, while Arshdeep Singh is nursing stitches on his bowling hand. As India is already dealing with a string of injuries in England, calls for Hardik Pandya’s return in whites have been intensified on social media ahead of the crucial fourth Test.

Fans demand Hardik Pandya’s comeback after Nitish Kumar Reddy blow

Fans have been suggesting ththat e head coach Gautam Gambhir recall Hardik Pandya to the squad to strike a balance for the do-or-die encounter with England this week after Nitish was ruled out. Notably, Pandya last played a Test match in August 2018 against England at Southampton. He is now seeing himself as only a white-ball player, thanks to his persistent back issues.

The time has come for Hardik Pandya to make his Test comeback

— Pranav (@prxnxv16) July 20, 2025

Sir hardik pandya best option ho sakta hai

— YG (@gautam1288) July 20, 2025

High time call Hardik Pandya . He can bowl for 2 matches. BC jann boojh kr test nhi khelta hai

— Janardan pandey (@Ramukaka1669) July 20, 2025

Best chance pick Hardik Pandya or Shivam dube let them play test cricket https://t.co/f1mfe2UdlZ

— Chaco (@Chaco_joe) July 20, 2025

Nitish Kumar Reddy out of England series due to injury.

How about calling Hardik Pandya as Replacement? #nitishreddy #HardikPandya pic.twitter.com/eBK6qgAfl4

— Ghostly Cricket (@CricketGhostly) July 20, 2025

Perfect time for hardik Pandya to make a return to Test cricket, play on a short term basis like what Moeen Ali did a couple of years ago, would be great

— Chandresh Narayanan (@chand2579) July 20, 2025

Wtf? Sir hardik himanshu pandya should replace him 🙂 https://t.co/qH3It1WK3P

— harshini.py (@harshi_aa) July 20, 2025

Hardik pandya please

— BS (@bhautik73526) July 20, 2025

However, the young pacer Anshul Kamboj has joined the Indian squad in Manchester, but it is unclear whether he will get the chance, as they would love to have someone who can contribute with both bat and ball in the must-win games against England.

Read Also: 4 Indians injured: Nitish Kumar Reddy, latest casualty on England tour, Gautam Gambhir shattered

Shardul Thakur, Prasidh Krishna, and Kuldeep Yadav are among the remaining names in the mix, but Reddy’s injury is proving to be a headache for the selectors.

Nitish Kumar Reddy skips Manchester United's facility visit

Meanwhile, the Indian squad paid a visit to Manchester United’s training facility on Sunday. And Rishabh Pant gifted a signed bat to Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes. Mohammed Siraj was even spotted bowling to Manchester United defender Harry Maguire in a fun exchange. But Nitish Kumar Reddy was not spotted at Manchester United’s training facility.

With the fourth Test set to begin on July 23, the timing of this setback couldn’t be worse. Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir and the team are now under mounting pressure to find a balance for the crucial game. Notably, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, and Washington Sundar were also absent from the team’s optional training session on Sunday.