Injury concerns rise as big players quit practice sessions ahead of ENG vs IND 4th Test

While the Indian cricket team is looking forward to the upcoming fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 against the hosts England, which will begin on Wednesday (July 23), some top cricketers missed Sunday's practice session. 

Despite outstanding fighting, the visitors India are trailing the five-match Test series against the hosts England by 2-1 after the third Test, as they can't afford any more hiccups in this Test series. While India must win one Test to save this series (without losing the other), they can only win this away Test series by winning both the remaining Test matches. India last won a Test series in England in 2007 under the leadership of Rahul Dravid. 

Old Trafford in Manchester will host the fourth Test of the ongoing five-match England vs India Test series. India haven't won a Test match at this venue, while drawing five and losing four Tests out of their nine Test matches at this venue. While Shubman Gill-led team India secured their first-ever Test win at Edgbaston this series, they will have to do the same incredible job in the Manchester Test to create another history.

See Also: Know all major updates from team India ahead of ENG vs IND 4th Test

Indian team struggling with fitness issues before Manchester Test

We already know the injury concern is going on in the Indian cricket team. Rishabh Pant was injured during the third Test, as he couldn't keep wicket for most of the match, and Dhruv Jurel replaced him for the wicketkeeping role in that Test match. Now, the pacers Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep have been injured, and both are doubtful for the upcoming Manchester Test, and pace-bowling all-rounder Anshul Kamboj has been added to the squad. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are under the workload management. 

Six players were not present in the optional net session

While Sunday (July 20) was the optional net session for the Indian cricketers, several Indian cricketers were absent from the session. According to the Times of India report, skipper Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, and Nitish Kumar Reddy skipped the optional net session. Due to rain, the Indian team opted for the indoor net session behind closed doors, as the media wasn't allowed inside the venue.