Indian fast bowler Arshdeep Singh’s injury has become a major talking point ahead of the much-anticipated fourth Test between India and England, set to kick off at Manchester’s Old Trafford on July 23, 2025.
Fans and experts have been eagerly monitoring the situation, given Arshdeep’s potential Test debut and India’s urgent need for a left-arm pace option in the ongoing series.
How Did Arshdeep Singh Get Injured?
During a routine net session at Beckenham, Arshdeep Singh suffered a cut on his bowling hand while trying to stop a powerful shot off Sai Sudharsan’s bat. Witnesses observed Arshdeep writhing in pain as the medical team swiftly attended to his injury. The 26-year-old left-arm pacer, known for his accuracy and swing in white-ball cricket, had his left (bowling) hand heavily bandaged as he left the practice area.
Latest Medical Updates and Team Statements
India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate provided clarity on the situation, stating:
“He took a ball while he was bowling there. Sai hit a ball and he tried to stop it. It’s just a cut, so we have to see how bad it is. The medical team has taken him to a doctor, and whether he needs stitches or not will be key to our planning for the next few days.”
The team’s medical unit has yet to issue an official, detailed update, but the management is closely monitoring his recovery. If the cut requires stitches or fails to heal quickly, Arshdeep may miss out on what could be his maiden Test appearance for India during this crucial encounter.
Implications for Team India
Arshdeep Singh has been in outstanding form in the IPL, Indian white-ball squads, and county cricket, making strong claims for a Test debut. With India trailing 2-1 in the five-match series and questions lingering over Jasprit Bumrah’s availability, Arshdeep’s injury comes at the worst possible time. His ability to exploit English conditions with left-arm swing would have been an asset, especially if the management needed to rotate frontline pacers like Mohammed Siraj, who has bowled an extensive workload throughout the series.
If Arshdeep fails to recover in time, India will need to reassess their bowling combination for the fourth Test, potentially turning to options like Prasidh Krishna, Shardul Thakur, or Akash Deep.
Current Status and What’s Next?
As of July 19, 2025, Arshdeep Singh remains under medical observation. The severity of the cut and whether stitches are needed will determine his availability for the Manchester Test. The team is expected to announce a final decision closer to match day. Fans and analysts are awaiting further updates, as his participation could be vital for India’s hopes of leveling the series.
