India captain Shubman Gill, ahead of the fourth Test in Manchester, addressed key issues around player availability and team composition as his side gears up for a must-win clash to stay alive in the five-match series. With England leading 2-1, the stakes are high for the visitors. India came heartbreakingly close at Lord’s in the third Test, falling 22 runs short despite a marathon effort from Ravindra Jadeja. Missed chances and injuries only added to the setback. Speaking at a press conference, Gill confirmed that Rishabh Pant will resume wicketkeeping duties after missing a major chunk of the Lord’s Test due to a finger injury. Substitute Dhruv Jurel had taken over the gloves after Pant injured his finger attempting a diving stop off Jasprit Bumrah on Day 1. Despite the injury, Pant scored 74 and 9 in his two innings.
The bigger concern for India lies in their bowling options. With pacers Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh ruled out, India have called up uncapped Haryana fast bowler Anshul Kamboj as cover. Gill hinted at a potential debut for the 24-year-old. “We have seen his skill set. We have the belief that he can win matches for us. Kamboj is close to making his debut tomorrow. You are going to see whether it is him or Prasidh Krishna,” Gill said. The India skipper admitted the injury toll has complicated selection at a crucial juncture in the series. “It is never easy when there are injuries. Nitish (Reddy) is missing and Akash is also unavailable for this match. But we have good enough players to take 20 wickets,” he added.
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Gill also spoke on the team’s overall approach, particularly in terms of adapting to conditions. “Nine-ten players are mostly same for every condition. That one or two players change depending on conditions. We have been discussing about starting and closing sessions well. Sometimes it’s not in your control,” he said. With India needing a win to level the series and push it to a decider, all eyes will be on how Gill uses his resources at Old Trafford.
