Not the Update We Hoped For
Man, this one hurts a bit. You know that feeling when you’re genuinely excited to see someone new get a chance — and then life just throws a wrench into the story? That’s pretty much what’s happened with Nitish Kumar Reddy and Arshdeep Singh on India’s England tour.
I was buzzing when Reddy got picked. The guy’s been grinding it out, waiting for his moment, and boom — in the Lord’s Test, he comes in, gets two quick wickets in a single over (yep, Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley), and suddenly, you’re like… okay, this guy’s got something. Not just pace, but that spark, you know?
And then — of course — injury strikes. Classic cricket heartbreak.
Nitish Kumar Reddy — Blink and He Was Gone
So, what happened? A left knee ligament injury. Yeah, the kind you can’t just shake off or tape up and keep going. The BCCI confirmed on Sunday that he’s flying back home for treatment. Just like that, his England dream — at least for now — is over.
It sucks, honestly. This tour could’ve been a turning point for him. You get one or two Tests on foreign soil, perform well, and boom — selectors remember your name. But instead, it’s back to the rehab routine. The most frustrating part? He was doing everything right. This wasn’t about form or fitness. It was just… bad timing.
And Arshdeep? Still Waiting for That First Ball in Test Whites
Now here’s the other gut-punch: Arshdeep Singh was probably going to make his Test debut in Manchester. That’s what a lot of us were hoping for anyway. The guy has been working hard, showing up for India in white-ball cricket, and let’s be honest — he deserves his red-ball cap.
But fate had different plans. During net practice, he took a blow to his left thumb — and it’s severe enough that he’s been ruled out of the fourth Test just when it looked like his patience was going to pay off.
I don’t know about you, but this kind of stuff makes me roll my eyes. Like really? This close, and a net session ruins it?
So, Who Steps In Now?
With both Reddy and Arshdeep out, the selectors had to pull someone in. Enter: Anshul Kamboj. If you don’t know much about him, don’t worry — most fans don’t yet. But he’s been solid in the domestic scene, and this is a big chance for him.
Thing is, it’s not just about replacements. India’s bowling depth is now being adequately tested. Bumrah’s workload is already a talking point (you don’t want to over-bowl him), Shardul’s been a bit hit-or-miss lately, and the rest — Mukesh, Prasidh — they’re still finding their rhythm.
So yeah, it’s a bit shaky heading into the Manchester Test. Not disastrous. But nervy.
The Bigger Picture (Because There Always Is One)
Here’s what stings: both Reddy and Arshdeep represented hope. Not in a dramatic, Bollywood monologue way — but genuinely. Fresh energy. Different styles. Guys who weren’t just filling in spots but could change games.
And now? We’re back to patchwork lineups and holding our breath every time a bowler clutches his knee or wrist.
I get it, injuries are part of the game. But two back-to-back blows like this, especially when the series is still wide open? That just feels cruel. Like, cricket gods are messing with us a little.
Still, There’s a Test to Play
Despite all this, the show must go on. The fourth Test is around the corner, and this Indian team — say what you will — knows how to fight. We’ve seen it. From Brisbane to Lord’s, they’ve found ways to dig deep.
Now it’s up to the rest of the squad to fill the gaps and keep the fire going.
Final Thoughts (With a Bit of Hope)
Look, if you’re feeling bummed out about these injuries, you’re not alone. These aren’t just names on a team sheet — they’re young guys trying to make something happen. And when the rug gets pulled out like this, it’s okay to feel annoyed.
But if there’s one thing Indian cricket’s taught us, it’s this: we don’t stay down for long. So here’s hoping Reddy and Arshdeep come back stronger, fitter, and even more determined — and that whoever gets their shot now really makes it count.
Let’s see what Manchester has in store for us.
For more updates, visit sportupia.com
