The IND vs ENG 2025 Test series has been a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams showcasing their resilience, skill, and determination. As the series moves to the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, starting July 23, 2025, England hold a 2-1 lead after a thrilling 22-run victory at Lord’s. India, led by Shubman Gill, bounced back impressively at Edgbaston, but the heartbreak at Lord’s has put them in a must-win situation to keep their hopes alive for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. However, despite their talent and fighting spirit, there are several reasons why India might face defeat in this crucial IND vs ENG encounter. This article explores three key reasons why India could lose the fourth Test, delving into the challenges they face and the factors that might tilt the scales in England’s favor.
1. Injury Woes Disrupting Team Balance
India’s campaign in the IND vs ENG 2025 series has been plagued by injuries, and the fourth Test could see this issue come to a head. The absence of key players and the uncertainty surrounding others have disrupted India’s team composition, particularly in the bowling department. Nitish Kumar Reddy, a promising seam-bowling all-rounder, has been ruled out of the series due to a knee injury, leaving a gap in India’s lower-order batting and bowling balance. Additionally, Akash Deep, who was a standout performer with a 10-wicket haul at Edgbaston, is nursing a groin strain sustained during the Lord’s Test. His participation in the fourth Test remains uncertain, and his absence would be a significant blow to India’s pace attack.
The Indian team management faces a dilemma in selecting a replacement for Akash Deep. While Anshul Kamboj, an uncapped pacer, has been added to the squad and impressed in the nets, his lack of Test experience could be a risk against a formidable England batting lineup. Alternatively, Prasidh Krishna, who has shown promise but struggled with consistency in the IND vs ENG series, might be called upon. However, his expensive economy rate in the first Test (6.28) raises concerns about his ability to contain England’s aggressive batsmen, especially in conditions that might favor pace bowling early on.
Moreover, India’s reliance on Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj as the spearheads of the pace attack puts immense pressure on the duo. Bumrah, returning after missing the second Test, was exceptional in the first Test with a five-wicket haul but went wicketless in England’s chase at Headingley. Siraj, while showing grit, has been inconsistent in the IND vs ENG series, and his workload needs careful management after bowling extended spells at Lord’s. The absence of a reliable third seamer could expose India’s bowling unit, especially if the Old Trafford pitch offers early movement, as England have requested a surface with “plenty of life” to suit their pacers like Jofra Archer and Chris Woakes.
The injury concerns extend beyond the bowlers. India’s batting lineup, while talented, has been inconsistent, and the absence of experienced players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who retired from Test cricket, has put additional pressure on younger players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan. Jaiswal, despite his century in the first Test, has struggled with fielding, dropping four catches at Headingley, which could affect his confidence. Sudharsan, batting at No. 3, has shown promise but has been dismissed to loose shots, indicating he may still be adapting to Test cricket’s demands. Without a fully fit and balanced squad, India’s chances in the IND vs ENG fourth Test could be compromised, as England’s depth and home advantage might exploit these vulnerabilities.
2. England’s Aggressive ‘Bazball’ Approach
England’s aggressive playing style under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, popularly known as ‘Bazball,’ has been a defining feature of the IND vs ENG 2025 series. This approach, characterized by fearless batting and relentless pressure on the opposition, has put India under significant strain in crucial moments. England’s ability to chase down 371 in the first Test at Headingley, led by Ben Duckett’s dazzling 149, and their resilience in defending 193 at Lord’s highlight the effectiveness of this strategy. The fourth Test at Old Trafford is likely to see England double down on this approach, especially with the series lead in their favor.
England’s batting lineup, featuring players like Joe Root, Ben Duckett, and Harry Brook, thrives in conditions that allow them to attack. Root, just 73 runs away from becoming the first batter to score 3,000 Test runs against India, has been a consistent thorn in India’s side, scoring a century in the first Test and a crucial 40 in the second innings at Lord’s. Duckett’s ability to dominate spinners, particularly Ravindra Jadeja, with his reverse sweeps and aggressive strokeplay, has disrupted India’s bowling plans. Brook, despite a lean patch in the third Test, has the potential to turn games with his attacking batting, as seen in his 158 at Edgbaston.
The inclusion of Liam Dawson in place of the injured Shoaib Bashir adds another dimension to England’s lineup. Dawson, a left-arm spinning all-rounder, brings experience and versatility, having last played a Test in 2017. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball could stabilize England’s middle order while providing a spin option that might exploit any turn on the Old Trafford pitch, which historically offers assistance to spinners as the game progresses. India’s decision to potentially include a second spinner like Kuldeep Yadav could be a response to this, but it risks weakening their pace attack, especially if Akash Deep is unavailable.
England’s bowlers, led by Stokes and Archer, have also adapted well to the Bazball ethos. Stokes’ marathon spells at Lord’s, including a 9.2-over and a 10-over stint, showcased his relentless drive and ability to lead from the front. Archer’s return has added pace and bounce to England’s attack, making him a significant threat on a lively Old Trafford pitch. India’s batsmen, particularly the younger ones, may struggle to counter this aggression, especially if they fail to build partnerships early in the IND vs ENG Test. The psychological pressure of facing a team that refuses to back down could lead to mistakes, as seen in the third Test when India’s top order collapsed under Stokes’ fiery bowling.
3. India’s Inability to Seize Crucial Moments
One of the defining themes of the IND vs ENG 2025 series has been India’s failure to capitalize on critical moments, a trend that could prove costly in the fourth Test. The third Test at Lord’s was a prime example, where India squandered a strong position by failing to take a first-innings lead despite matching England’s score of 387. Key moments, such as Rishabh Pant’s run-out while attempting to help KL Rahul reach a century, and the subsequent collapse of the middle order, handed the initiative back to England. This inability to convert opportunities into decisive advantages has been a recurring issue for India in this series.
The Lord’s Test highlighted India’s struggles with batting discipline, particularly in the fourth innings. Despite Ravindra Jadeja’s heroic 61 not out and a gritty 131-ball partnership with Jasprit Bumrah, India fell 22 runs short of the 193-run target. The dismissals of key batsmen like Pant and Rahul at pivotal moments, often due to poor shot selection or miscommunication, underscored India’s vulnerability under pressure. Former India batter Robin Uthappa criticized the team’s obsession with personal milestones, pointing to Rahul’s focus on reaching his century as a factor in Pant’s run-out. This mindset could prove detrimental in the IND vs ENG fourth Test if India’s batsmen prioritize individual achievements over team goals.
Fielding lapses have also cost India dearly. The team dropped six catches in the first Test at Headingley, allowing England to chase down 371 comfortably. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s struggles in the slips, coupled with missed opportunities to dismiss key England batsmen like Jamie Smith and Joe Root, have put additional pressure on the bowlers. While India’s bowlers, particularly Bumrah and Jadeja, have been exceptional at times, the lack of support from the fielders has let England off the hook in crucial situations. With Old Trafford expected to offer early assistance to bowlers, any fielding errors in the IND vs ENG Test could prove costly, as England’s aggressive batsmen are likely to capitalize on loose deliveries and dropped chances.
India’s tactical decisions have also come under scrutiny. The decision to leave out Bumrah in the second Test was heavily debated, though Akash Deep’s performance justified the call. However, the team’s reluctance to adapt quickly to changing conditions, such as not introducing Jadeja earlier against Duckett in the first Test, has allowed England to seize momentum. In the fourth Test, India must be proactive with their bowling changes and field placements to counter England’s aggressive approach. Failure to do so could see them lose crucial sessions, as they did in the final hour of the third Test when England’s bowlers, led by Stokes, turned the game in their favor.
India’s Path to Redemption
Despite these challenges, India are not without hope in the IND vs ENG fourth Test. Shubman Gill’s leadership and batting prowess have been a highlight of the series, with his 430 runs in the second Test earning him the Player-of-the-Match award. His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed makes him a key figure for India. Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round brilliance, with two half-centuries and consistent bowling, provides balance, while Bumrah’s return adds firepower to the pace attack. The potential inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav could exploit any turn on the Old Trafford pitch, especially against England’s left-handed batsmen like Duckett and Stokes.
However, India must address their injury concerns, sharpen their fielding, and adopt a more disciplined batting approach to counter England’s Bazball strategy. The Old Trafford pitch, historically favoring teams batting second, could offer India a chance to set a competitive total if they win the toss and bat first. But with England’s confidence high and their home advantage, India will need to play near-perfect cricket to level the series.
Looking Ahead
The IND vs ENG 2025 fourth Test at Old Trafford promises to be another gripping chapter in this fiercely contested series. India’s injury woes, England’s aggressive Bazball approach, and India’s inability to seize crucial moments are three significant reasons why they could face defeat. While the Shubman Gill-led side has shown resilience and talent, overcoming these challenges will require exceptional teamwork, adaptability, and mental fortitude. As the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy hangs in the balance, cricket fans worldwide will be glued to their screens, eagerly awaiting the next twist in this epic IND vs ENG battle.
