India’s bowling plans have hit a setback as Akash Deep’s injury concerns rule him doubtful for the final Test at The Oval. With Arshdeep Singh already out, Jasprit Bumrah is now expected to play the fourth Test in Manchester despite earlier workload plans.
According to Hindustan Times, India may rotate Bumrah and Akash Deep for the last two matches based on fitness. Anshul Kamboj has been included as cover, in spite of the last-minute disruption creating doubts ahead of the series decider.
[UPDATE] Akash Deep Injury Upsets India’s Plans as Bumrah Returns for Finale
With Akash Deep’s injury affecting their bowling combination, India’s preparation for the Test match against England has taken a serious hit. With the pressure building, the team is turning once again to Jasprit Bumrah — the most trusted name in their bowling arsenal.
Reports suggest India had planned to rest Bumrah for one of the last two Tests. But the Akash Deep injury has forced a change in that strategy.
Bumrah is now likely to feature in the fourth Test in Manchester, while team management hopes Akash will be fit in time for the finale.
[REPORT] Bumrah Back In Spotlight as India Scrambles for Options
Bumrah stepping in at this point is more of a necessity than a choice. India needs his experience, especially in English conditions. But it’s also risky. The team has been managing his workload carefully after his previous back issues.
Now with the Akash Deep injury limiting their choices, Bumrah will have to take on the lead role in the pace attack. Anshul Kamboj has been added as cover, but it’s clear that India will rely on Bumrah to guide the bowling unit through the remaining games.
If the plan works, and Akash Deep recovers in time, we may see the two rotate between Tests 4 and 5. If not, the Akash Deep injury could result in Bumrah playing back-to-back matches — a situation India ideally wanted to avoid.
READ NOW: Was Akash Deep’s Delivery to Root a No-Ball?
[TRENDING] Fans React to Bumrah’s Return and Deep’s Injury
The Akash Deep injury didn’t go unnoticed on social media. Fans reacted quickly, some expressing disappointment while others praised Bumrah’s expected return.
One user commented, “Akashdeep has hurt himself in the last test. The 5th test gonna be importantly. So he may not play in the 4th test.”
Akashdeep has hurt himself in last test. N 5th test gonna be importantly. So he may not play in 4th test.
— Sourabh Sanyal 🇮🇳 (@sourabhsanyal) July 20, 2025
Another user posted, “Why is Akash Deep resting instead of Siraj?? The latter has played all 3 matches.”
Why is Akash Deep resting instead of Siraj?? The latter has played all 3 matches. https://t.co/9whYuVSUMq
— Aditya Saha (@Adityakrsaha) July 20, 2025
Amit Mishra’s Take
While it makes sense to bring in Bumrah for Manchester, this solution only fixes the present. The bigger question is: what happens the next time an Akash Deep injury situation arises?
India’s fast-bowling depth is still developing. There’s talent, no doubt. But when pressure builds, it seems the team still leans heavily on Bumrah. A strong rotation system and better injury management are the need of the hour — not just for Akash Deep but for all rising bowlers in the squad.
The Akash Deep injury has shown how one absence can throw off an entire plan. It’s a lesson for the future, and hopefully, a wake-up call too.
