- July 22, 2025
We’re in the thick of the India vs England Test series, with plenty of drama off the field from the nets to the physio rooms, and now, the squad itself. In an unconventional but merited call, Haryana’s pace ace Anshul Kamboj from Chennai Super Kings has been brought in as a reserve for India for the fourth Test. He’s only been on the radar for less than a week.
It all came together when Arshdeep Singh, India’s possible left-arm pacer, had a pretty nasty cut on his bowling hand in a net session. After suffering a serious gash that required multiple stitches and at least ten days of recovery, India needed a replacement.
Kamboj’s Red-Ball Credentials: More Than Just a Lucky Pick
At first glance, Kamboj might seem like a ‘just-in-case’ option, but his domestic and India A track record says otherwise. The Haryana quick isn’t just riding CSK hype—he’s earned his stripes.
His bowling average and those striking figures with a 44.2 strike-rate are remarkable after only 24 first-class matches and 79 wickets. And that 10-wicket haul (how do we forget) against Kerala only a few weeks ago during the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy. Now he has followed up a disappointing outing with a blast – he piqued some interest, and when he was finished, he said, “I am ready.” Two others have a 10-wicket haul, so that is a nice little group.
His recent outings versus the England Lions weren’t just matches—they were auditions turned standing ovations. He took 5 wickets in the two games and contributed a gritty fifty not out (51) to indicate that he’s got more strings to his game than one might have expected.
Team India’s Injury Woes: A Bowling Jigsaw Puzzle
Arshdeep’s sidelining is just a part of the headache. Jasprit Bumrah, the leader of the attack, is likely to play only one of the final two Tests to manage his workload. And then there’s Akash Deep, another backup pacer, nursing a groin niggle – he hadn’t even bowled in the last net session before the team departed for Manchester.
And it’s not only the bowlers. Vice-captain Rishabh Pant has a bruised index finger, making an injury-less appearance behind the stumps look unlikely. Suddenly, the selection committee and team management have uncertainties to deal with. In all of this mayhem, having a fresh, fit, and eager Kamboj is a huge plus.
It also shows India moving from a traditional selection committee based on seniority to a selection of form and fitness, even if this does mean rolling the dice on players with less experience.
Why Manchester Could Be Kamboj’s Breakthrough Moment
Whether or not Kamboj makes the playing XI, being around the senior squad in such a high-stakes situation is massive for his development. But given India’s desperate need for fit pacers, his debut might not be far off. The fourth Test at Old Trafford is do-or-die for India, trailing 1-2; there’s no room for half-measures.
If Kamboj does get the nod, it’ll be a big test of temperament on a seamer-friendly Manchester pitch. And with Bumrah potentially rested, India will need someone to bring pace and consistency—two things Kamboj has shown in domestic cricket.
This is the kind of fairy-tale stage where unknowns become household names. Think of Mohammed Siraj’s Brisbane heroics in 2021. Could Kamboj script his own?
Do you think Kamboj will get his big break in Manchester? Or will India stick to their familiar pace options? Let’s hear your thoughts!
