🇮🇳 Jasprit Bumrah & Rishabh Pant OUT? India’s Likely Playing XI for the 4th Test vs England at Old Trafford

 

The ongoing India vs England Test series is heating up, and all eyes are now on the 4th Test, set to be played at Old Trafford, Manchester from July 23 to 27. After a close 22-run defeat at Lord’s, Team India is expected to bounce back strongly and aim to level the five-match series.

But as we move closer to the match, there’s some major team news that fans need to know...

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🔄 Key Changes Expected in India’s Playing XI

❌ Jasprit Bumrah Likely to Be Rested

India’s pace spearhead and World No. 1 Test bowler Jasprit Bumrah may sit out the Manchester Test. As part of his workload management plan, it was already hinted before the series that Bumrah would play only three out of the five matches. Since he’s already featured in two, it makes sense for the team to rest him now and bring him back fresh for the final Test at The Oval (July 31–August 4).

❌ Rishabh Pant’s Availability in Doubt

Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant sustained a finger injury during the first day of the Lord’s Test. He didn’t keep wickets after the first 34 overs, raising concerns over his fitness. As of now, his participation in the 4th Test is uncertain.

If Pant is ruled out, Dhruv Jurel is the front-runner to replace him. The 24-year-old has shown promise both with the bat and behind the stumps in his brief Test career, including a memorable 90 against England in Ranchi last year.

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📉 Players Under the Scanner

👎 Karun Nair’s Form a Worry

Middle-order batter Karun Nair hasn’t lived up to expectations in the series so far and may be dropped. Sai Sudharsan, who played in the first Test, could return to the XI in his place.

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🏏 Arshdeep Singh in for Bumrah?

With Bumrah possibly missing out, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh might be brought in to add variation to the bowling attack. He’s among the backups along with Prasidh Krishna, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, and Akash Deep. However, Akash may retain his place despite a modest performance at Lord’s.

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🧩 India’s Likely Playing XI for the 4th Test:

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal

2. KL Rahul

3. Sai Sudharsan

4. Shubman Gill (Captain)

5. Ravindra Jadeja

6. Dhruv Jurel (Wicketkeeper)

7. Nitish Kumar Reddy

8. Washington Sundar

9. Arshdeep Singh

10. Akash Deep

11. Mohammed Siraj

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🏁 Final Thoughts

The 4th Test at Old Trafford is not just another match—it’s a must-win for India to stay alive in the series. With likely changes in both bowling and batting units, the match promises fresh strategies and new combinations. It will be interesting to see how the team responds after the setback at Lord’s.

📅 Mark your calendar: July 23 to 27 – Old Trafford, Manchester.

Stay tuned for live updates, expert analysis, and match results right here under our CRICKET section!