India’s Nitish Kumar Reddy doubtful for remaining Tests against England

India’s injury woes have deepened in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, with promising all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy facing the prospect of missing the final two Tests after suffering a knee injury during a gym session in Manchester.

The 22-year-old did not participate in India’s optional training on Sunday, and subsequent scans revealed ligament damage, according to ESPNcricinfo.

Reddy’s untimely injury could open the door for Shardul Thakur’s return to the playing XI.

After missing out on selection for the opening Test at Headingley, Reddy was drafted into the side to strengthen India’s lower-order batting and offer an additional pace-bowling option.

In his brief stint across two Tests at Edgbaston and Lord’s, Reddy managed 45 runs in four innings, with a top score of 30 at Lord’s. With the ball, he delivered 17 overs at an economy of 3.64, notably dismissing both England openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley in a single over at Edgbaston.

India's pace resources have been stretched thin, with Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh also uncertain for the fourth Test due to injuries.

Arshdeep, who suffered a deep cut on his bowling hand during a training session, has been replaced in the squad by 24-year-old Anshul Kamboj. The Haryana pacer, who has taken 79 wickets in 24 First-Class matches, recently featured for India A, picking up five wickets in two matches.

With England holding a 2-1 lead in the five-match series, the upcoming Test in Manchester is a must-win for India as they aim to level the series and keep their hopes alive.