Team India is grappling with significant injury concerns among its bowling ranks as the 4th Test against England approaches, beginning on Wednesday.

The squad’s depth is being tested, leading to worries about the ideal bowling combination and managing player workloads.

All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been ruled out of the crucial match after sustaining a knee ligament injury during a gym session on July 20. This comes as a blow, especially after his promising performance in the Lord’s Test last week.

Adding to the team’s woes, fast bowler Arshdeep Singh, who was yet to make his Test debut, has also been sidelined due to an injury to his bowling arm.

These fresh injuries amplify existing concerns about the heavy workload on key pacers. Jasprit Bumrah has already played two Tests in the series, exceeding the initial plan to feature in only three. Mohammed Siraj is also reportedly battling burnout, having played a considerable amount of red-ball cricket since the start of 2024.

In response to these setbacks, Haryana pacer Anshul Kamboj has been added to the squad as cover. His inclusion provides the team with another option, but the mounting injuries necessitate significant strategic changes in India’s bowling attack for the upcoming match.

The team management faces a challenging task in selecting a balanced and effective bowling unit for the pivotal 4th Test.