Injury Concerns Mount as Akash Deep Watches from Sidelines During India’s Training Session

The pacer, who suffered a groin injury during the Lord’s Test, arrived at India’s first outdoor practice session with visible discomfort, offering only a gentle roll of the arm before he stepped away from the action.

Akash Deep Under Supervision: No Go for Bowling Session
Coach Morne Morkel, along with the team’s medical staff, kept a close eye on Akash Deep during the early part of the session. Hoping to test his fitness, they sent him through a brief bowling fitness evaluation on the main ground. Akash began cautiously, jogging lightly and rolling his arm over without full intensity.

But once the team physio conducted a thorough assessment, he quickly advised against any further bowling. Akash did not push back. Instead, he nodded in agreement and walked back quietly, clearly aware that his groin hadn’t fully healed. His return to full fitness remains uncertain.

From that moment, he cut a dejected figure. Dressed in India’s training kit, Akash stood quietly near the nets, watching others go through their paces—players who were once his peers in match action, now potential replacements on the field.

Kamboj and Prasidh Go Full Tilt at the Nets

While Akash Deep remained a bystander, uncapped pacer Anshul Kamboj and the returning Prasidh Krishna stole the spotlight in the training session. Both bowlers bowled with intensity, firing deliveries with serious pace and purpose. Their presence in the nets made a bold statement—they were ready if the team called upon them.

Despite being new to the national setup, he showcased rhythm, accuracy, and a hunger to impress. Watching him in action, it was clear that he didn’t view this call-up as just a placeholder role. He was there to earn his spot.

Meanwhile, Prasidh Krishna, who had dealt with his share of injury setbacks in the past, appeared sharp and match-ready. His ability to bowl long spells without compromising on pace or line pleased the coaching staff.

Arshdeep Singh Joins Akash on the Sidelines

Adding to India’s growing injury concerns, Arshdeep Singh—who had earlier been ruled out of the fourth Test with a hand injury—also remained absent from bowling drills. He joined Akash Deep near the boundary ropes, the two watching on as their teammates prepared for a pivotal clash in the series.

Arshdeep’s injury left a significant gap in India’s left-arm seam options. With the Manchester pitch likely to favor pace early on, India now faces a dilemma. They may be forced to rely on relatively untested options or make last-minute changes to their bowling strategy.

Coach Morne Morkel Monitors Closely

Coach Morne Morkel, himself a former fast bowler, remained fully engaged throughout the session. He spent time analyzing Kamboj’s action, offered technical input to Prasidh, and often turned toward Akash with brief yet reassuring glances. The South African legend understands what it means for a pacer to sit out during a series-defining Test—and he seemed determined to keep morale high among both the fit and the injured.

From overseeing run-up lengths to monitoring follow-throughs, Morkel appeared to be shaping India’s makeshift pace unit with tactical precision, knowing well that every decision in the coming days could determine the outcome of the Test.

What Akash Deep’s Absence Could Mean
If Akash Deep doesn’t recover in time, India will be forced to reshuffle their bowling unit. His absence won’t just impact the pace attack—it will disrupt the balance of the XI. Known for his disciplined line and ability to extract bounce off even docile surfaces, Akash played a vital supporting role that allowed strike bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah to attack freely.

Without him, India might bring in Kamboj, Prasidh, or even draft in an all-rounder depending on pitch conditions and opposition match-ups. However, none of the replacements offer the same combination of control and energy that Akash brings.

Fitness Woes Haunting India’s Bowling Department
India’s tour of England has been marred by injuries—especially in the bowling department.

Every match has seen a new combination of bowlers, making it harder for India to build momentum. While the team’s batting unit has shown improvement and resilience, the lack of continuity in pace options could hurt them in pressure moments.

Silver Lining: Kamboj’s Enthusiasm and Prasidh’s Return
Despite the setbacks, India can draw optimism from Kamboj’s youthful energy and Prasidh Krishna’s regained sharpness. The duo may lack international mileage, but they bring something fresh—a sense of hunger and a point to prove.

If called upon, both bowlers will aim to grab the opportunity with both hands. For Kamboj especially, this could mark the beginning of a memorable journey—one that might’ve started as a replacement but could evolve into a regular role.

Final Thoughts: A Crucial Call Awaits
As India’s Test squad gears up for the fourth and possibly decisive match of the series, the fitness of players like Akash Deep and the readiness of backups like Kamboj and Prasidh will play a crucial role in team selection.

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