Who Is Anshul Kamboj? CSK Pacer Makes Test Debut In IND vs ENG 4th Test
Anshul Kamboj’s rise has been built on an outstanding domestic season. He grabbed headlines when he took all ten wickets in a single innings, becoming only third Indian bowler to achieve this.
Anshul Kamboj, a 24-year-old right-arm medium-fast bowler from Karnal, Haryana, makes his Test debut for India in the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford, Manchester.
With India’s pace attack hit by injuries to Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, and Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kamboj has been brought in as a backup. Captain Shubman Gill had earlier confirmed that the youngster is “very close to making his debut.”
Back in 1990, legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble made his Test debut in Manchester—the last Indian to do so at this venue until now. Interestingly, both Kumble and Anshul Kamboj share a rare feat in first-class cricket: each has recorded a 10-wicket haul in a single innings.
Stellar Domestic Record
Kamboj’s rise to the national side has been built on an outstanding domestic season. Representing Haryana, he picked up 55 wickets in 11 matches during the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy season.
He grabbed headlines when he took all ten wickets in a single innings, becoming only the third Indian bowler to achieve the rare feat.
Kamboj’s performances earned him a spot in the India A team, where he continued to impress with five wickets in two warm-up games during the England tour.
IPL Journey with Chennai Super Kings
In the IPL 2025 auction, Anshul Kamboj was picked up by Chennai Super Kings for over ₹3 crore.
Under MS Dhoni’s mentorship, he featured in eight matches, taking eight wickets with an economy rate of 8.00.
Dhoni praised his ability to swing the ball both ways and deliver deadly yorkers. His coach Satish Rana has often highlighted Kamboj’s unique blend of aggression and calmness—likening him to Glenn McGrath with the mindset of Dhoni.
High Praise from Veterans
Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who shared the CSK dressing room with Kamboj, has called him one of the smartest young bowlers he’s seen.
Ashwin even compared his game sense and execution to that of Zaheer Khan and Jasprit Bumrah, especially in red-ball cricket where clarity of thought and precision are crucial.
Ready for Big Stage
With the pitch at Old Trafford likely to assist seamers early on, Kamboj’s inclusion could prove to be a masterstroke. He’ll join forces with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj to form a potent pace trio. Anshul Kamboj’s debut may just mark the beginning of a promising new chapter in India’s fast-bowling future.
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