Anshul Kamboj

Haryana’s Pacer Anshul Kamboj Earns Maiden Test Call-Up Amidst Injury Crisis

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Manchester, England – July 20, 2025 – In a significant development for Indian cricket, Haryana’s promising right-arm pacer, Anshul Kamboj, has received his maiden call-up to the Indian Test squad for the remainder of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England. The 24-year-old’s inclusion comes as a much-needed cover for an injury-plagued Indian pace attack, with left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh sidelined and Akash Deep’s availability uncertain.

The Background: A Sudden Call-Up Driven by Necessity

The decision to fast-track Anshul Kamboj into the Test squad stems directly from the injury woes plaguing the Indian camp. The ongoing Test series against England has been a hard-fought affair, with both teams pushing their limits. Unfortunately, this intensity has taken its toll on India’s fast bowling resources.

The primary reason for Kamboj’s sudden inclusion is the injury sustained by Arshdeep Singh. During a practice session on Thursday, Arshdeep suffered a deep cut on his bowling hand while attempting to stop a shot from Sai Sudharsan during his follow-through. The injury required stitches, effectively ruling him out of immediate contention.

Arshdeep Singh, though yet to make his Test debut, was a strong contender for a spot in the playing XI, especially if the team management opted to rest one of the frontline pacers for the crucial fourth Test at Old Trafford, commencing July 23. His absence leaves a significant void, particularly given his left-arm angle which offers variety to the attack.

Adding to the team’s concerns is the uncertainty surrounding Akash Deep. The young pacer, who has shown flashes of brilliance, limped off during the Lord’s Test due to a groin niggle. While he returned to the field, he did not bowl further, raising red flags about his fitness for the Manchester Test.

Akash Deep also has a history of injuries, having faced setbacks in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2024 and the IPL 2025 season. This dual injury crisis has left the Indian team management scrambling for viable fast-bowling options, paving the way for Kamboj’s elevation.

A BCCI source confirmed the development, stating, “Arshdeep Singh has a deep cut and has had stitches; he will take at least ten days to get completely fit. The selectors have decided to add Anshul Kamboj to the squad. Anshul has left for Manchester and will join the squad for the remaining two Test matches as a cover.”

A Meteoric Rise: Anshul Kamboj’s Domestic Prowess

Anshul Kamboj’s selection is not merely a stop-gap measure but a testament to his consistent and impressive performances in domestic cricket. The 24-year-old Haryana pacer has been on the selectors’ radar for a while, particularly after a sensational run in the past year.

Ranji Trophy Heroics: A “Perfect 10” Performance

Perhaps the most defining moment in Kamboj’s first-class career came in November 2024 when he etched his name in Ranji Trophy history. He became only the third bowler in the tournament’s storied history to claim all ten wickets in an innings.

Playing for Haryana against Kerala, Kamboj delivered a spellbinding performance, finishing with figures of 10/49. This incredible feat placed him in an elite club alongside Bengal’s Premangsu Chatterjee (1956-57) and Rajasthan’s Pradeep Sundaram (1985-86).

This rare achievement showcased his remarkable control, endurance, and ability to dismantle a batting lineup single-handedly. He ended the previous Ranji season with an impressive 34 wickets from six matches.

Consistent Performer Across Formats

Kamboj’s journey to the national squad has been a steady climb. He made his first-class debut for Haryana in February 2022 and has since accumulated 79 wickets in 24 first-class matches at a healthy average. His medium-pace bowling, characterized by effective swing and controlled line and length, has made him a potent force in red-ball cricket.

Beyond the Ranji Trophy, Kamboj also played a crucial role in Haryana’s maiden Vijay Hazare Trophy triumph in 2023-24, where he bagged 17 wickets in 10 games. His consistent performances also earned him a spot in the India A setup, a crucial stepping stone to the national team.

Last month, he was part of the India A squad that played two unofficial three-day games against England, where he picked up five wickets, further reinforcing his credentials to the selectors. He also featured for India C in the Duleep Trophy 2024-25, emerging as the leading wicket-taker with 16 wickets at an average of 17.12, earning him the Player of the Tournament award.

IPL Journey: From Mumbai to Chennai

Kamboj’s rise in domestic cricket naturally attracted attention from Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises. He was acquired by Mumbai Indians for the 2024 season, making his IPL debut for them. In 2024, he played three matches and claimed two wickets, offering glimpses of his potential in the shortest format.

Following his historic Ranji Trophy performance and continued domestic excellence, a bidding war ensued in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction. Ultimately, Chennai Super Kings secured his services for INR 3.40 Crore, highlighting his rising stock in Indian cricket.

For CSK in the 2025 IPL season, Kamboj has continued to impress. After warming the bench early in the season, he has picked up 8 wickets in as many games with a commendable economy rate of 8.00, demonstrating his adaptability and effectiveness across formats.

What Lies Ahead: A Potential Test Debut?

With Arshdeep Singh out and Akash Deep’s participation in doubt, Anshul Kamboj might very well be in line for a sensational Test debut. The fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, beginning on July 23, is a crucial encounter for India as they look to level the series. Head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill will be weighing their options carefully, and Kamboj’s ability to generate bounce and maintain a tight line could prove invaluable on English pitches.

His family and coach back home in Karnal, Haryana, are naturally ecstatic about his call-up. His coach, Satish Rana, expressed his pride, stating, “It is a proud moment for us. I still remember his childhood days when we pledged to make him a good player and a better human. Anshul is following that and focusing on cricket. Our target is achieved today.”

Anshul Kamboj’s journey from a small town in Haryana to the cusp of an Indian Test cap is a testament to his hard work, perseverance, and remarkable talent. As India navigates a challenging Test series, all eyes will be on this young pacer, hoping he can seize this unexpected opportunity and make a significant mark on the international stage.

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