Ahead of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, the Indian team management is dealing with a new challenge, as the fitness and availability of star pacer Jasprit Bumrah and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant have become major concerns. With India currently trailing 1-2 in the five-match Test series after a 22-run loss at Lord's, the team needs to work extra hard on the recovery of these two key players. The fourth Test begins on July 23.

Team India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said that, given the equation of the series, Bumrah is likely to play in Manchester as winning is essential to level the series. "We know we have got him for one of the last two Tests. It's pretty obvious that the series is on the line now in Manchester, so there will be a leaning towards playing him," he said.

However, the final decision regarding Bumrah's availability will depend on multiple factors - weather conditions, fitness, and strategy for both remaining Tests. "But again, we have got to look at all the factors: how many days of cricket are we going to get up there, what do we feel is our best chance of winning that game, and then how that fits in together with The Oval. And looking at the last two games holistically as part of the series," he noted.

In the third Test at Lord's, Bumrah felt discomfort during his second spell on the second day and was taken to the hospital for scans. While the injury was initially described as back spasms, Bumrah later confirmed it was a lower back issue, the recurring cause of concern.

Along with Bumrah, Pant's index finger injury - sustained at Lord's - is another concern India are grappling with. While Pant managed to bat, he could not keep wickets. In his absence, Dhruv Jurel stepped in behind the stumps.

India designated Thursday as an optional training session. Pant chose to focus on light workouts rather than batting or wicketkeeping. Positively, there was no taping on his finger. However, the pain still lingers. "He (Pant) will bat in Manchester before the Test," said Ten Doeschate, while emphasizing that the team is in no position to leave Pant out.

"Look, I don't think you're going to keep Rishabh out of the Test no matter what. He batted with quite a lot of pain in the third Test, and it's only going to get easier and easier on his finger. And keeping's obviously the last part of the process to make sure that he can keep. We don't want to go through that again where we have to replace the keeper halfway through innings," he added.

However, he did not rule out playing Jurel if Pant cannot handle the wicketkeeping duties. "Jurel's in the equation, but I mean obviously if Rishabh's fit, he plays the next Test and does both," he noted.

Adding to India’s worries is an injury to Arshdeep Singh’s bowling hand. The incident occurred while he was trying to stop a ball from Sai Sudharsan’s bat. He was later seen with a bandaged left hand, and captain Shubman Gill indicated that he might not be able to bat.