Anshul Kamboj’s Long-Awaited India Test Debut Becomes a Reality
It’s official now—Anshul Kamboj, the 24-year-old pacer from Karnal, Haryana, is all set to make his Test debut for India in the fourth match against England at Old Trafford, Manchester. The suspense has finally ended, and Shubman Gill, standing in as captain, has almost confirmed Kamboj's selection. With injuries to key pacers like Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, and all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, India has had to reshuffle its bowling attack. But what appears to be a challenge for the team has turned into a golden opportunity for a young man who has been grinding in domestic cricket for years.
Kamboj’s journey has not been one of shortcuts or sudden breakthroughs. It’s a tale of persistence, patience, and purpose. Having played 24 First-Class matches and taken 79 wickets, his performances have often flown under the radar—until now. His career-defining moment came in the Ranji Trophy when he took a stunning 10-wicket haul in a single innings against Kerala. Only two other Indian bowlers in history had achieved that before him. That spell not only brought him into the limelight but also earned him recognition from IPL scouts, eventually leading to a contract with Mumbai Indians and a short stint with Chennai Super Kings.
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Beyond the numbers, it’s the emotional depth of his story that captures attention. His father, Udham Singh, who suffers from epilepsy, took him to the academy years ago simply to help him lose weight. Today, that decision has culminated in a Test debut for India. His family’s sacrifices—his brother staying back during their mother's hospitalisation while Anshul flew to England—paint a vivid picture of dedication behind the scenes.
Coaches and legends alike have praised Kamboj for his control, seam position, and intelligent bowling. Former India spinner R. Ashwin compared his cricketing IQ to the likes of Zaheer Khan and Jasprit Bumrah. CSK captain MS Dhoni and coach Stephen Fleming also noted how his deliveries feel much heavier than what the speed gun shows, attributing it to his sharp length and deceptive seam movement.
Now, as he prepares to wear the India Test cap for the first time, Kamboj carries not just the weight of national expectations, but also the dreams of his family, his coach Satish Rana, and countless others who believed in him. It’s more than just a match—it’s a moment. A culmination of years of unseen effort and unyielding faith.
If Anshul Kamboj does step onto the Old Trafford pitch this week, he won’t just be bowling deliveries—he’ll be bowling stories of hope, hard work, and homegrown grit.
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