Ind vs Eng 4th Test: Will Bumrah play in Manchester? Team India's lineup in focus.

India Faces Injury and Selection Dilemma Ahead of Fourth England Test

As India prepares for the crucial fourth Test at Old Trafford, uncertainty looms over the availability of key players, including pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant.

After BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed in May that Bumrah would play only three of the five Tests in England, speculation has surrounded which fixtures he would feature in. Bumrah played in the Leeds and Lord’s Tests, taking 12 wickets, including a five-for in both, but India lost both matches. Notably, India won the Birmingham Test without him.

With the series still alive, India must win in Manchester to stay in contention. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said on Thursday that India were “leaning” towards including Bumrah at Old Trafford, though nothing is confirmed.

Injury Troubles Mount

In addition to Bumrah's workload management, Rishabh Pant has emerged as a concern after injuring his left index finger during the Lord’s Test. Though he batted, Pant was visibly uncomfortable and played no further part as wicketkeeper. Dhruv Jurel replaced him behind the stumps and conceded 25 byes, though conditions were tricky with excessive swing.

India is expected to give Pant time to recover. If unfit to keep, he might play as a specialist batter with Jurel continuing as the wicketkeeper.

Adding to the complications, Arshdeep Singh injured his bowling hand during training in Beckenham. This throws India’s pace options into further disarray, especially if Bumrah is rested. Prasidh Krishna, who played the first two Tests, could come into the picture, but team management will need to evaluate Arshdeep’s fitness ahead of the game.

With the fourth Test set to begin Wednesday, India’s coaching staff and selectors face a delicate balancing act—managing injuries, deciding on Bumrah’s availability, and finalizing a playing XI capable of turning the series around.