24-year-old fast bowler from Haryana, known for his sharp pace and control, has been selected as a replacement for Arshdeep Singh for the remaining two test matches against England in the UK.
During practice session, Arshdeep injured his left hand badly while trying to stop the ball that had just come off a shot. As per reports, it might take him around 10 days to fully recover from the injury. It all happened just before when India was planning to give him a debut at Old Trafford.
Another setback for Team India is that Akash Deep injured himself during the Lord’s Test. He had to walk off during the match. India now has fewer pace options because two pace bowlers from Team India are unavailable due to injury. With Jasprit Bumrah leading the bowling attack, Anshul Kamboj will have a great chance to show his skill at international level if he gets a chance.
Who is Anshul Kamboj?
Just a few weeks ago, Anshul played for India A against England Lions. He took five wickets in two games and even scored a fifty on Country Ground, Northampton. Looking at Anshul’s performances in the Ranji Trophy and IPL, it’s clear why he was the next choice after Arshdeep’s injury. First time when Anshul made a headline, he took all 10 wickets in a single Ranji Trophy innings. It’s so rare that it only happened twice before in Indian Cricket History.
MI then sold the young talent in 2024 after he played only 3 matches and took two wickets. Last season, with his impressive performance for CSK, he picked up 8 wickets in 8 matches at a good economy.
India has a strong hope from this young talent. There are fewer options left for pace bowlers, and this can be a golden chance for Anshul to prove his mettle in the international Arena.
“Anshul has left for Manchester and will join the squad for the remaining two Test matches as a cover.” – BCCI Source to TOI
India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said, “We’ll take a call on the combination we play,” he added. “Particularly given the Arshdeep situation as well, we’ll make that call closer to Manchester.”
CSK’s Head Coach Stephen Fleming has described Anshul Kamboj as “potential game*changer” after an excellent performance in England.
“He has an ability to hit a testing length and extract seam movement even on flatter surfaces” – Stephen Fleming.
In the 2024-25 Ranji season, He took 74 wickets in 22 matches including the 10-wicket haul record against Kerala
With Arshdeep and Aaksh Deep out of the playing XI, selectors may go for Siraj, Kamboj and possibly Prasidh Krishna to manage the workload of Jasprit Bumrah. If the selectors rest Bumrah, then India will have to go with Anshul Kamboj.
