India captain Shubman Gill spoke to some selection doubts in front of the decisive fourth Test versus England, which is to start on Wednesday in Manchester.
The Indian team has lost a big blow due to injuries, and all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy is out of the rest of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh will not play the next game either.
In a significant development, Gill confirmed pacer Akash Deep, who starred with a 10-wicket haul in India's win over England at Edgbaston, will be out of action for the fourth Test as well. India now are 1-2 down in the five-Test series behind England.
"Akash Deep is out, so is Arshdeep, but there are good bowlers in the team to choose twenty wickets. It is not perfect to have various bowlers, but I was ready," Gill said at Tuesday's media conference. "He (Anshul Kamboj) is almost ready to debut. We will decide between Prasidh and Anshul tomorrow."
Gill was optimistic about Kamboj playing if he is given a debut. The 24-year-old fast bowler has played 24 First-Class games, picking up 79 wickets and even scoring one half-century.
We have witnessed his (Kamboj's) skill set. We have a strong belief that he can win matches for us. It is never smooth sailing when it comes to injuries. Nitish (Reddy) is not there and Akash is also not available for this game. (But) we have enough good players to get 20 wickets," Gill added.
If Kamboj plays, it will be the first time he will be playing at the international level—a major milestone for the young pacer.
Gill also expressed the team's backing for middle-order batsman Karun Nair, whose recent form has come under the scanner. In the first three Tests—played at Headingley, Edgbaston, and Lord's—Nair has scored only 131 runs at a average of less than 22.
"Opinions are that he is batting nicely. Didn't play at his number in the first game. No problem with his batting. Once you can reach 50 and get into the zone. Hoping that he can pick it up," said Gill regarding taking his batter, who has come back with scores of 0, 20, 31, 26, 40, and 14 thus far in the series.
Another crucial confirmation came with the wicketkeeping responsibilities. Gill made the announcement that Rishabh Pant will keep the gloves for the fourth Test.
"Rishabh Pant will keep wickets in the fourth Test against England in Manchester," Gill announced.
Pant's return to regular wicketkeeping is after he kept only for 35 overs in the third Test, due to a minor injury. Dhruv Jurel replaced him for the rest of that game but had a difficult outing, leaking 25 byes in the second innings of England. India lost that match by just 22 runs.
With the series in the balance, India will be hoping to level matters in Manchester despite the personnel and injury issues.
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