With the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy entering a critical phase, Team India is poised for multiple changes in their playing XI for the fourth Test match against England at Manchester. England currently leads the series 2-1, and India is striving to level it before the final showdown.

The fourth Test, starting Wednesday, July 23, could be decisive. A win for India would set up a grand finale in the fifth Test, while a draw or defeat would allow England to retain the trophy.

India’s Injury Woes Heading into the 4th Test

India’s campaign has been marred by a series of injury setbacks. Nitish Reddy has been ruled out for the remainder of the tour after suffering a left knee injury. Reddy had featured in the first two Tests at Birmingham and Lord’s. Meanwhile, Arshdeep Singh injured his bowling hand during a practice session in Beckenham, ruling him out of selection for the fourth Test.

Adding to India’s worries is Akash Deep, who is recovering from a groin issue. His availability will be decided on the eve of the match. Akash had been one of India's standout performers at Birmingham with a 10-wicket haul, playing a key role in India’s 336-run victory.

Rishabh Pant, despite nursing a finger injury, has remained active during training and is expected to be available.

Will Jasprit Bumrah Play?

One of the biggest pre-match talking points is Jasprit Bumrah’s availability. The ace pacer is being carefully managed due to workload considerations. With a nine-day gap since the last Test, Bumrah is expected to return to the XI. Mohammed Siraj all but confirmed this by stating, "Jassi bhai will play only, that’s what we know for now."

Given the must-win scenario and the break in schedule, Bumrah’s inclusion could significantly boost India’s bowling arsenal.

Karun Nair Likely to Be Dropped

Karun Nair, who was included in the squad but failed to leave a mark, is expected to be replaced. The team management may opt for B Sai Sudharsan, whose recent form has caught attention, or reconfigure the middle order to accommodate Shardul Thakur as an all-rounder.

Who Replaces Nitish Reddy: Kuldeep or Shardul?

There is a growing call for the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav, India’s left-arm wrist-spinner. Kuldeep offers variety and attacking intent, especially useful in the middle overs. However, with rain forecasted for Manchester, conditions may favor seam bowlers, swinging the selection pendulum in favor of Shardul Thakur, who has the ability to swing the ball and contribute with the bat.

Shardul, who was dropped after the first Test, could return to shore up the lower-order batting and provide medium-pace depth.

Debut Alert: Anshul Kamboj in Line for First Cap

Among the brightest new names in Indian cricket, Anshul Kamboj could be handed his Test debut. The 24-year-old fast bowler from Haryana was a net bowler with the Indian team and played two unofficial Tests for India A against England Lions, picking up five wickets, including a four-wicket haul in the second match.

Having trained with Chennai Super Kings in the IPL and earned praise from senior pros like MS Dhoni, Kamboj is being considered as a replacement for Akash Deep, should the latter fail to prove his fitness.

Other Bowling Options: Prasidh Krishna in Contention

Prasidh Krishna, another promising seamer, is also under consideration. Reports suggest that Prasidh troubled the Indian top-order batters in the nets during practice sessions and may be given a look-in if the pitch shows signs of favoring pace and bounce.

The selectors and team management may opt for a three-pronged pace attack including Bumrah, Siraj, and either Anshul or Prasidh, depending on final pitch conditions.

India’s Probable Playing XI for the 4th Test:

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal

2. KL Rahul

3. Karun Nair / B Sai Sudharsan

4. Shubman Gill (Captain)

5. Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper)

6. Shardul Thakur / Kuldeep Yadav

7. Ravindra Jadeja

8. Washington Sundar

9. Akash Deep / Anshul Kamboj / Prasidh Krishna

10. Jasprit Bumrah

11. Mohammed Siraj

Weather & Match Conditions

Manchester’s weather forecast hints at intermittent rain, which could influence selection decisions. Seam-friendly conditions are likely to prompt India to lean towards a pace-heavy attack. That puts Kamboj and Prasidh in focus and could delay Kuldeep Yadav’s return to the Test fold.

Conclusion: A Defining Test For India’s Campaign

The 4th Test in Manchester is not just about squaring the series, but also about testing India’s bench strength and adaptability. With key injuries, leadership changes, and potential debuts, the match promises to be a litmus test of character and strategy.

All eyes will be on the final playing XI that walks out on the morning of July 23, as India fights to stay alive in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025.

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