The fourth Test between England and India at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester is set to begin on July 23, 2025, and the stakes are incredibly high, with England leading the five-match series 2-1. India faces a must-win situation to level the series, and the team management is contemplating some crucial decisions, particularly regarding the inclusion of key players.
One of the biggest dilemmas for India is the potential inclusion of premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate hinted that Bumrah is likely to feature in the Manchester Test, given the series is on the line. "It's pretty obvious that the series is on the line now in Manchester so there will be a leaning towards playing him," he stated. However, the final decision will depend on several factors, including weather conditions, Bumrah's fitness, and the overall strategy for the remaining Tests. Bumrah himself has been managing a lower back issue, which caused him discomfort during the third Test at Lord's. According to reports, Bumrah had already clarified before the series that he was advised to play only three Tests for workload management. He has already participated in two.
Adding to India's concerns is the fitness of wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who sustained a finger injury during the Lord's Test. Despite the injury, Pant managed to bat but couldn't keep wickets, with Dhruv Jurel stepping in as a substitute. Ten Doeschate expressed optimism about Pant's recovery, saying, "He will bat in Manchester before the Test". He added, "I don't think you're going to keep Rishabh out of the Test no matter what". However, the team management is wary of risking Pant if he is not fully fit, especially after having to replace the keeper mid-innings in the previous Test.
Adding to the injury woes, pacer Arshdeep Singh suffered a blow to his bowling hand during a net practice session. The severity of the injury and whether he will need stitches remains a concern, potentially impacting India's bowling plans. If Arshdeep is ruled out, it could further deplete India's fast-bowling resources.
Amidst these injury concerns, veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane has urged the team management to prioritize taking 20 wickets to win the Test match. He suggested bolstering the bowling attack, even if it means sacrificing some batting depth. Rahane highlighted the importance of a strong bowling performance, especially considering the challenging batting conditions expected on days four and five.
Several changes to the playing XI are being considered. Karun Nair's underwhelming performance in the series might lead to his exclusion, with Abhimanyu Easwaran or Sai Sudharsan potentially replacing him. Former India player Dilip Vengsarkar suggested dropping Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar, advocating for the inclusion of Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav.
The Manchester Test is not just another game; it's a pivotal moment in the series where India needs to bounce back. The team's ability to manage injuries, make strategic selections, and perform at their best will determine whether they can level the series and keep their hopes alive for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
