Arshdeep Singh Out, Anshul Kamboj In: Injury Blow for India Ahead of Manchester Test

London: Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh has been ruled out of the remainder of India’s Test series against England after suffering a hand injury during net practice. Despite being part of the squad, Arshdeep didn’t get to play in any of the first three Tests of the five-match series. Now, with stitches on his injured hand and doctors advising 10 days’ rest, he is virtually out of contention for the final two Tests.

In his place, chief selector Ajit Agarkar has added Haryana’s young right-arm pacer Anshul Kamboj to the Indian squad as a cover.

What happened to Arshdeep Singh?

During Thursday’s net session, Arshdeep injured his hand while attempting to stop a straight drive from Sai Sudharsan. The cut was deep enough to require stitches. With recovery expected to take more than a week, the team management has decided not to risk him for the remainder of the tour.

Upcoming Test Matches

4th Test: Begins Wednesday, July 23, in Manchester

5th Test: Scheduled from July 31, at The Oval, London

India currently trails 1-2 in the series, with England holding the momentum going into the final stretch.

Indian Pace Attack Under Strain

India’s pace resources have taken a hit:

Jasprit Bumrah has missed one Test due to workload management and his availability for the remaining games is still under discussion.

Akash Deep picked up a hamstring strain during the third Test and did not bowl in the latest practice session.

With Arshdeep now injured, India is short on fully fit seam options.

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Why Anshul Kamboj?

The 24-year-old Haryana pacer has been impressive in recent outings:

Represented India A with a haul of 5 wickets in 2 matches earlier this year.

Has 79 wickets in 24 first-class games at an economy of 3.10.

In the last Ranji Trophy season, Kamboj took all 10 wickets in an innings against Kerala, becoming just the third bowler to achieve this rare feat in the tournament’s history.

While Kamboj’s inclusion might seem sudden, his consistent domestic performances and recent ‘A’ team form made him a top candidate. Notably, fast bowler Harshit Rana, who had a strong start to the year in Australia, was already included in India’s main 16-member squad before the series began.

With pace options thinning, Kamboj’s selection adds much-needed depth to a struggling Indian bowling unit as they fight to level the series.