England vs India 2025: Injuries Take Center Stage in a High-Stakes Test Series

Excerpt: The ongoing England vs India Test series has been marred by a spate of injuries, reshaping team strategies and testing squad depth. With key players from both sides sidelined, the battle for supremacy has become as much about resilience as it is about skill.

Mounting Injury Woes: The Story So Far

The 2025 England vs India Test series, billed as a clash of titans, has been dramatically influenced by a string of injuries to crucial players—particularly in the Indian camp. As the series heads into its decisive phase, both teams have been forced to adapt rapidly, with new faces stepping up and established stars watching from the sidelines.

Key Indian Players Sidelined

India’s injury list has grown alarmingly long as the series has progressed:

• Rishabh Pant: The dynamic wicketkeeper-batter suffered a fractured metatarsal in his right foot during the opening day of the fourth Test at Old Trafford. Pant, who was batting on 37, had to retire hurt and is set to miss the remainder of the series. Initial reports suggest a recovery period of six to eight weeks, ruling him out of the fifth Test and possibly the start of the upcoming home season[4].

• Nitish Kumar Reddy: The promising all-rounder was ruled out of the last two Tests after sustaining a left knee injury. Reddy had shown glimpses of his potential at Lord’s, picking up key wickets and contributing valuable runs, but his absence leaves a significant void in the lower middle order and bowling options[1][3].

• Arshdeep Singh: The left-arm pacer, who impressed in the early matches, was ruled out of the fourth Test after suffering an impact injury to his left thumb during a net session. His availability for the fifth Test remains uncertain[1][2][3].

• Akash Deep: Another pace option, Akash Deep, was also ruled out of the Manchester Test, further depleting India’s fast-bowling resources[2].

India’s Updated Squad for Fourth Test

Source: BCCI, ICC, ESPNcricinfo[1][2][3][4]

England’s Injury Concerns

While India’s injury list has dominated headlines, England have also had to manage niggles and workload concerns, particularly among their fast bowlers. However, as of the fourth Test, no major English player has been officially ruled out, though rotation and rest have been frequent.

Recent Match Data and Series Standings

As of the start of the fourth Test at Old Trafford (July 23, 2025):

Current Series Score:

• England: 1 win

• India: 1 win

• 1 draw

• 4th Test ongoing

Statistical Impact: Player Performances

Stats as of July 24, 2025. Source: Match scorecards, ICC[3][4]

Expert Analysis: Depth Tested, Opportunities Created

India’s injury crisis has forced the team management to dig deep into their reserves. The inclusion of uncapped pacer Anshul Kamboj for the Manchester Test is a testament to the selectors’ faith in India’s bench strength. Captain Shubman Gill acknowledged the challenge, stating, “It is not ideal to have different bowlers, but I was prepared. We have enough good players in the team to pick 20 wickets, that's been the most challenging part of the series”[2].

For England, the relative stability of their squad has allowed them to maintain pressure, but the series remains finely balanced, with both sides having tasted victory.

Future Implications and Predictions

With Pant, Reddy, and Arshdeep out, India’s batting and bowling depth will be severely tested in the remainder of the series. The onus will be on senior players like Gill, Jadeja, and Bumrah to step up, while newcomers such as Kamboj have a golden opportunity to make their mark.

If England can capitalize on India’s weakened lineup, they could tilt the series in their favor. However, India’s resilience and the unpredictability of Test cricket mean the contest is far from over.

Injuries may have changed the script, but they have also set the stage for new heroes to emerge in this gripping England vs India saga.