India’s injury woes deepen: Nitish Reddy, Arshdeep ruled out of fourth Test

Dubai: India’s injury concerns continue to mount as Nitish Kumar Reddy and Arshdeep Singh have been ruled out of the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, Manchester.

“All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been ruled out of the remaining two Tests owing to a left knee injury and will fly back home,” said a statement from the BCCI. “Arshdeep Singh has been ruled out of the fourth Test. He sustained an impact injury to his left thumb while bowling in the nets during a training session in Beckenham. The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring his progress.”

India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate shed light on the incident: “Arshdeep tried to stop a ball off Sai and ended up with a cut,” he said. “The medical team took him to a doctor. Whether he needs stitches or not will affect our plans.”

In response, the selection committee has added all-rounder Anshul Kamboj to the squad for the fourth Test. The Haryana pacer has joined the team in Manchester.

Kamboj, who has taken 79 wickets in 24 first-class matches, recently impressed in two three-day games for India A, claiming five wickets. His standout performances in the domestic circuit — particularly in last season’s Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he picked up 17 wickets in 10 games and helped Haryana clinch the title — propelled him into national reckoning. He also made an impact at the Emerging Men’s Asia Cup in Oman, taking four wickets in three matches.

His call-up comes at a time when India face uncertainty over the availability of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, while Akash Deep is also a doubtful starter due to a groin niggle. During the third Test at Lord’s, Akash walked off in the 28th over of England’s innings after experiencing discomfort. Though he returned to the field, he did not bowl again.