India eye maiden Test win at Manchester

Team India are gearing up for the upcoming fourth Test against England in Manchester, starting from 23 July 2025. After a heartbreaking 22-run loss despite showing plenty of fight, Shubman Gill and co. will look to make a strong comeback in this must-win clash, as a loss here will seal the series in favour of England.

However, the task is enormous considering India’s past record at this venue in the longest format. In nine Tests played at Old Trafford so far, India have lost four and drawn five. That means they are yet to register their maiden Test win at this ground.

On the other hand, Old Trafford has been a happy hunting ground for England. They have played 84 Tests at the venue, winning 33, drawing 36, and losing only 15. Traditionally, the pitch here is known to offer swing, especially under overcast conditions, which often troubles Asian batters. Another tough challenge awaits India.

After a week-long break following the defeat at Lord’s, the visitors will be hoping to start afresh. All eyes will be on star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who is expected to feature in only one of the two remaining matches, due to workload management. However, with the break and the importance of this Test in the series context, Bumrah is likely to play in Manchester.

Another major concern is the fitness of wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant. Due to a finger injury, he did not keep for most of the Lord’s Test, with Dhruv Jurel replacing him behind the stumps. Though Pant batted in both innings despite being in visible pain, his availability for the Manchester Test remains uncertain.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri, speaking to the ICC, shared his thoughts and had a clear message for current head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill. 

"He'll have to field, and if he fields, that'll be worse. With the gloves, at least there's some protection. Without gloves, if he gets something that stings him there, then it won't be very good. It'll worsen the injury. He’ll have to keep and he’ll have to bat. He can’t do one of the two. If it’s a fracture, he should rest and be ready for The Oval. But if not, he has about nine days to recover," Shastri said.  

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