IND Vs ENG Test Series, July 18 Dispatch: Arshdeep Singh Injured; Rishabh Pant Likely To Bat As 'Specialist Batter'

The ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series is 2-1 in England's favour, and the Indian team management is trying their best to come up with the best playing XI for the fourth Test match, which is set to start on Wednesday, 23 July at the Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester.

Let's take a look at what happened on 18 July, which is related to India's tour of England 2025.

Pant To Play As 'Specialist Batter'?

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes Rishabh Pant should not play as a "specialist batter" in the Manchester Test against England if he is unfit to keep wickets. Pant injured his hand while trying to collect a delivery from Jasprit Bumrah during the Lord's Test and left the field for treatment. Dhruv Jurel substituted for him.

Despite scoring 74 runs in the first innings, Pant struggled in the fourth innings, showing visible pain while facing Jofra Archer's yorkers. Shastri warned that playing as a specialist keeper could increase the risk of further injury and advised caution to head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill regarding Pant’s participation.

The Karun Nair Question

Karun Nair's performance in the England vs. India series has been underwhelming. After three Tests at Headingley, Edgbaston, and Lord's, he has only 131 runs at an average below 22. Although he faced 249 deliveries, he struggled with quality pace and seam movement. After an eight-year absence from Test cricket, Nair is now facing significant pressure just 25 days into his return.

Ryan ten Doeschate, the Indian team’s assistant coach, spoke about Nair's position, stating that the team remains hopeful despite being 2-1 down in the series. "It may seem odd, but we've performed well in many phases. The key issue has been losing wickets in quick succession, which has hurt us," he noted.

"Even Karun is showing good rhythm and tempo. We expect more runs from him, but we need to focus on our strengths and address the small problems that have cost us," ten Doeschate added.

Bumrah Or Arshdeep?

Jasprit Bumrah is likely to play in the crucial fourth Test against England, but Team India is facing an injury concern with pacer Arshdeep Singh, who sustained a cut on his bowling hand during practice in Manchester. The injury occurred while Arshdeep tried to stop a ball hit by Sai Sudharsan. Following the session, the medical team assessed whether he would need stitches.

This practice was India's first since their 22-run defeat to England in the third Test, leaving them trailing 2-1 in the series. Although Arshdeep has not yet played in Tests, he was being considered for a debut if a pacer was rested; however, his availability will depend on the severity of his injury.

India’s assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, said: “Arshdeep took a hit while bowling, and we need to determine how serious the cut is, as it will impact our planning in the coming days.”

Will Rahul Join The Elite List?

Indian batter KL Rahul is close to joining an elite group of Indian cricketers who have scored 1,000 or more Test runs in England. He prepares for the fourth Test against England starting July 23 in Manchester, with England currently leading the series 2-1.

Rahul has scored 989 runs in 12 Tests and 24 innings in England, averaging 41.20, with four centuries and a highest score of 149. Only three Indian players have previously reached 1,000 Test runs in England: Sachin Tendulkar (1,575), Rahul Dravid (1,376), and Sunil Gavaskar (1,152).

In this series, Rahul has shown great form, scoring 375 runs in three Tests at an average of 62.50, including two centuries and a top score of 137. He is currently the fourth-highest run-scorer in the series.