Team India could witness a new face in the playing XI as Anshul Kamboj is “very close” to making his Test debut in the fourth match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Manchester. India captain Shubman Gill confirmed on Tuesday that Akash Deep has been ruled out due to injury, adding to India’s growing list of unavailable pacers.
The final decision between Anshul and Prasidh Krishna will be taken on the morning of the match. “We’ve seen enough of Anshul. His skillset is exactly what we want, and we believe he can win us the game,” Gill said.
Injury Woes for India Ahead of Must-Win Test
India’s pace attack has been hit hard. Arshdeep Singh was earlier ruled out after suffering an impact injury to his left thumb during a net session in Beckenham. He is currently being monitored by the BCCI medical team. Nitish Kumar Reddy, too, has been ruled out of the series due to a left knee injury.
“It’s never ideal to have this many changes, but I was prepared,” said Gill. “Despite the injuries, we believe we have enough quality to take 20 wickets.”
Rishabh Pant Cleared to Keep Wickets
There’s good news for India on the wicketkeeping front. Rishabh Pant will return to keeping duties in Manchester after recovering from a blow to his hand sustained during the Lord’s Test. Dhruv Jurel had taken over the gloves mid-match, but Pant continued to bat and even scored a gritty 74 in the first innings.
“Pant will keep wickets,” Gill confirmed.
England Lead 2-1 as India Look to Bounce Back
England currently hold a 2-1 lead in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy after their hard-fought 22-run win at Lord’s. The pressure is now on India to level the series at Old Trafford—where they have never won a Test in nine previous attempts.
Gill Backs Karun Nair Despite Lukewarm Comeback
Another big talking point is Karun Nair, who has returned to the Indian Test side after eight years but is yet to make a major impact. Despite scores of 0, 20, 31, 26, 40, and 14 in six innings (131 runs total), Gill backed the senior batter to come good.
“He didn’t bat in his usual position in the first game, and we’ve had conversations with him. We’re hopeful he’ll turn things around,” Gill said.
Nair batted at No.6 in Headingley, while Sai Sudarshan was preferred at No.3. After Sudharsan was dropped for the next two Tests, Karun moved up the order but hasn’t capitalized yet.
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