Indian skipper Shubman Gill has confirmed that right-arm pacer Akash Deep is ruled out of the 4th Test in Manchester. Akash Deep sustained a groin injury during the Lord's Test. Though he managed to complete his spell, his struggle continued after the match as he was in recovery mode, which kept him away from the nets.
Akash Deep Out; India Eye Prasidh or Kamboj for Manchester Test
With his unavailability, India will lean on Prasidh Krishna or debutant Anshul Kamboj to start alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj in Manchester.
Also Read: Shubman Gill Confirms Rishabh Pant Will Keep Wickets In Manchester Test
Akash Deep had a fantastic outing in this series, playing in two Tests. The right-arm pacer took 11 wickets, including a 10-wicket haul in the 2nd Test, playing an impactful role in India’s victory. However, the groin injury he suffered during the 2nd innings affected his bowling form, and he picked only one wicket in the 3rd Test.
Shubman Gill confirms the unavailability of Akash Deep in the press conference.
“Akash Deep is unavailable, and so is Arshdeep, but we have good players in the team to pick up 20 wickets. It is not ideal to have different bowlers, but we are prepared,” Gill told reporters at Old Trafford.
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Gill Favors Anshul Kamboj Over Prasidh Krishna for Debut
Despite Akash Deep missing out, India’s formidable duo of Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah will play in the 4th Test. Shubman Gill also gave an update on Akash Deep’s replacement, speaking in favour of debutant Anshul Kamboj more than Prasidh Krishna.
“He (Kamboj) is very close to making his debut. We will see between Prasidh and Anshul tomorrow,” Gill added.
Also Read: IND vs ENG 2025: Anshul Kamboj To Make His Test Debut In Manchester: Reports
Gill Backs Karun Nair Despite Inconsistency, Dismisses Sudharsan Speculation
Shubman Gill also hinted at backing inconsistent Karun Nair, who is yet to convert his start into milestones in the series. Though there is speculation around Sai Sudharsan possibly returning at number 3, the skipper backed Nair to start in the Manchester Test.
"We think Karun is batting well," Gill said. "In the first match, he didn't really play at this number. It's difficult when a player is making a comeback in a series like this, but I don't think there's been any issue with his batting. I think he's been batting well. Sometimes it's also about getting that click. Once you're able to make your fifty, then you're able to get back into your zone and get some big runs. Unfortunately, that hasn't happened for him so far, but we are hopeful that he will be able to turn it around." Shubman Gill concluded.
Also Read: IND vs ENG: Sai Sudharsan was my no. 3; Sanjay Manjrekar backs youngster over Karun Nair
The fourth Test between India and England is set to begin at Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester on July 23.
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India Predicted Playing 11
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Karun Nair, Shubman Gill(c), Rishabh Pant(wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Anshul Kamboj, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
Also Read: India’s Playing 11 for 4th Test Against England – India Tour of England 2025
