Fitness cloud over Akash Deep as India face pace puzzle for must-win Manchester Test

From being hailed as India’s long-awaited third seamer abroad to now becoming a fitness riddle, Akash Deep’s fortunes have flipped in a matter of days. As India prepare for a make-or-break fourth Test against England starting July 23 at Old Trafford, all eyes are on their pace combination — and Akash Deep is suddenly at the heart of the uncertainty.

The Edgbaston high, where the 28-year-old picked up 10 wickets and powered India to a series-levelling victory, now feels distant. At Lord’s, he struggled for rhythm, lacked venom, and even walked off mid-innings due to discomfort, clutching his waist with the physio in tow — raising red flags ahead of a crunch game India simply cannot afford to lose.

While Jasprit Bumrah is a sure starter, and Mohammed Siraj remains India’s most consistent and overworked seamer this series — having bowled 109 overs already — questions now swirl around the third pacer’s spot. Akash Deep was expected to fill that role consistently, yet his muted presence in Thursday’s training and the absence of any bowling during nets only deepen the mystery.

A troubling dip after Edgbaston heroics

Akash Deep’s performance at Lord’s was lacklustre. In the first innings, he went wicketless in 23 overs at an economy over four, the most expensive among Indian bowlers. In the second, he managed just 8 overs, removing only Harry Brook — courtesy of a loose shot from the Englishman rather than any incisive bowling.

The signs of trouble were visible. Former England captain Michael Atherton had noted his ginger movements before the pacer exited on Day 4. Though he returned to the field, he didn’t bowl again. His early exit shifted the load onto Washington Sundar, who ended up bowling an extended spell.

Even during Thursday’s recovery session, Akash Deep skipped the team’s traditional bowlers-vs-batsmen football-volleyball hybrid drill — usually his favourite. While Kuldeep Yadav too sat out initially, Akash’s absence from both fun and formal drills, followed by slow jogs with the physio, was telling.

India’s selection conundrum: if not Akash, then who?

If Akash Deep is ruled out or considered a risk, India’s pace options are not straightforward. Prasidh Krishna has been erratic, and Arshdeep Singh — nursing a cut on his bowling hand — is uncapped in Tests. Both are gambles on a stage this big.

All-rounder Shardul Thakur remains a tempting but uncertain bet. He started the series at Headingley but underwhelmed, partly due to his delayed introduction with the older ball. The team’s preference for deeper batting saw Nitish Reddy replace him in the next game — a move that paid off. Now, there’s chatter about playing both Shardul and Reddy to strengthen the batting tail, even if it comes at the cost of outright pace potency.

Siraj’s workload, Bumrah’s firepower, and the looming risk

Siraj, the engine room of the attack, might be in line for rest, given his workload. But with India trailing 1-2 in the five-match series, holding him back could be a luxury they can’t afford. Bumrah’s short bursts remain lethal, but he too must be preserved amid a heavy all-format calendar.

India’s strategy at Manchester will likely hinge on Akash Deep’s fitness — a risk they must weigh carefully. With no obvious replacement firing on all cylinders, the management must decide whether to gamble with a half-fit pacer, go with an untested name, or stretch an already tired attack.

One way or another, India’s pace blueprint will define whether they survive in the series — or surrender it.