India is already eyeing a revival after enduring a narrow 22‑run loss at Lord’s. In their first warm-up session at Beckenham this week, spirits were lifted by camaraderie and laughter between players and the media—a sign the side is moving forward. Vice-captain Rishabh Pant playfully told reporters, “kuch sunai nahi de raha hai” (“can’t hear anything”) from the upstairs dressing room as loud music blared.

Jasprit Bumrah joined in, joking, “Aaj Duggal Ji behere hain” (“Duggal Ji is deaf today”), prompting chuckles among those present and breaking the post-defeat tension. Both men skipped the net sessions to adhere to their fitness and workload regimes: Pant due to a finger injury, and Bumrah alongside Mohammed Siraj, as part of the team’s rotation plan.

Another concern emerged during drills when uncapped left-armer Arshdeep Singh sustained a cut on his bowling hand. As he tried to stop a shot from Sai Sudharsan, the ball struck him, and a fresh bandage was quickly applied.

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Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirmed Arshdeep was taken for medical assessment to determine if stitches were needed. “We have to see how bad the cut is…if he needs stitches or not, that will be important for our planning for the next few days,” he said.

That injury complicates India’s seam bowling options. Arshdeep Singh was seen as a potential cover should Bumrah or Siraj be rested, but now his availability for the pivotal Manchester Test is uncertain. Meanwhile, the management appears inclined to bring back Bumrah, following Doeschate’s indication that with the series hanging in the balance, the series is “leaning towards playing him” in Manchester .

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India has taken a measured approach: high-intensity training, light-hearted team spirit, and cautious player management—each part of a strategy to reset the focus. As they prepare for their must-win match starting July 23, the selection will balance form, fitness, and the all-important field settings. Crucially, Bumrah’s inclusion could tip the scales. Meanwhile, Arshdeep’s cut adds another wrinkle to India’s fast-bowling puzzle in Manchester.