ENG vs IND 2025: Anshul Kamboj joins India squad for Manchester Test as injuries mount

Published - 20 Jul 2025, 09:52 IST | Updated - 20 Jul 2025, 10:23 IST

The young fast bowler Anshul Kamboj has been added to India’s Test squad for the ongoing tour of England, following the injury-related exclusion of Arshdeep Singh, who suffered a deep cut on his bowling hand and has been ruled out of the fourth Test in Manchester.

The 24-year-old recently featured for India A in their two three-day matches against the England Lions last month, where he picked up five wickets across the two games. Kamboj has been steadily making a name for himself on the domestic circuit with his impressive pace and line. He has claimed 79 wickets in 24 first-class matches while representing for Haryana.

“Arshdeep has a deep cut and has had stitches, he will take at least ten days to get completely fit. The selectors have decided to add Kamboj in the squad,” a BCCI source said as quoted by The Indian Express.

Pant should not play 4th Test as specialist batter: Shastri

India’s pace attack has been dealt a blow ahead of the fourth Test in Manchester, with Arshdeep ruled out after suffering a deep cut on his left hand during a nets session on Thursday. The injury occurred when Arshdeep attempted to stop a straight drive from Sai Sudharsan on his follow-through. Though the wound was stitched up promptly, he is now unlikely to regain match fitness in time for the game.

“Arshdeep took a ball while he was bowling there, Sai hit a ball and he tried to stop it and it’s just a cut. So we have to see how bad the cut is. Obviously, the medical team have taken him off to see a doctor and obviously, if he needs stitches or doesn’t need stitches it’s going to be important to our planning for the next few days,” said Ryan ten Doeschate.

India's injury list continues to grow ahead of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, scheduled to begin on July 23, with multiple key players facing fitness concerns. Apart from Arshdeep, Akash Deep is the latest addition to the list after he experienced discomfort on Day 4 of the third Test at Lord’s, walking off the field during the 28th over of England’s innings.

He is reportedly suffering with a groin issue and did not participate in the final nets session before the departure for Manchester. The pacer was seen holding his waist and grimacing in pain, accompanied by the team physio. Although he returned to the field later, he did not bowl again that day. Akash has a history of injury setbacks, having missed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2024 and the IPL 2025 due to fitness issues.

Furthermore, vice-captain Rishabh Pant is also under observation after being struck on the index finger of his left hand while attempting to collect a delivery from Jasprit Bumrah on Day 1 at Lord’s.