Manchester, UK – July 24, 2025 – Haryana fast bowler Anshul Kamboj officially made his Test debut for India on Wednesday at Old Trafford, Manchester, becoming the 318th player to represent the nation in the longest format of the game. Ahead of his maiden appearance, former India off-spinner R Ashwin lauded the 24-year-old’s “exceptional skill-set,” predicting him to be a quality addition to India’s seam bowling attack. Ashwin even likened Kamboj to bowlers of the “variety” of Zaheer Khan and Jasprit Bumrah due to his ability to understand and execute plans.
Kamboj received his coveted maiden Test cap from former India wicket-keeper Deep Dasgupta before the toss. This made him only the 10th Indian cricketer to debut at Old Trafford and the first since the legendary Anil Kumble made his maiden appearance at the ground in 1990. Interestingly, both Kamboj and Kumble share the rare feat of having taken a 10-wicket haul in a first-class innings.
Kamboj’s inclusion in the playing XI came rapidly, as he was drafted into the team barely four days prior. He had returned home last month from the India A tour to the UK after sustaining a shin injury. His call-up was necessitated by injuries to other pacers, including Akash Deep, who was deemed unfit for the Manchester Test by skipper Shubman Gill on the match eve, and left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, who was also out injured. While Prasidh Krishna was another option, Kamboj was the firm favorite to earn the nod. The Indian Express had reported earlier that Kamboj was indeed likely to pip Krishna, with Shardul Thakur expected to be roped in as the fourth pacer as India aims to square the five-match series 2-2.
Ashwin, who has closely observed Kamboj as a teammate at Chennai Super Kings (CSK), provided insights into the young pacer’s attributes that he believes will significantly boost India’s pace attack, especially if he teams up with senior speedsters Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
“This England team, man to man, will not match India skills-wise. Looking at how Siraj and Bumrah bowled, if you bring Anshul Kamboj in, I’m telling you that is a serious bowling attack. People will tell he hasn’t played but he was there on the A tour. He’s been in cracking form in first-class cricket. He is used to bowling long spells and you need that in England. He will be a really good foil for Siraj and Bumrah. Prasidh is also an option but I would rather go with Anshul,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
Kamboj’s recent first-class record is indeed impressive; since the 2024-25 season, he has racked up a whopping 55 wickets in only 11 matches, including a rare 10-wicket haul in a Ranji Trophy match against Kerala back home in Lahli in November 2024. Ashwin further added that Kamboj understands the requirements of the team, a valuable asset unlike many young bowlers.
“An enjoyable and appreciable thing about Anshul Kamboj is that he understands the plan. Many bowlers with 30-40 Tests and beyond also do not understand plans. They will just say I will express myself, enjoy my game, I am here to let loose and all. One is understanding a plan, the other is to execute your plan that way. Many bowlers do not have this strength. But Anshul understands plans and also knows how to execute in the middle. It’s not a trait many fast bowlers possess. Zaheer Khan was one of them. He was amazing. In recent times, Jassi (Bumrah) is one player who understands the plans and executes them to perfection. Anshul belongs to that variety. I’m not comparing skills because skills are a very different thing,” Ashwin elaborated.
Highlighting Kamboj’s technical strengths, Ashwin added, “He has a very good tappa (right length). I have seen that in the IPL. His wrist position is very good, and he delivers a very upright seam. He never leaves his tappa.”
Kamboj’s journey to the Test cap has been marked by resilience, as he had previously overcome a shin injury in June after returning from the India A tour, and even contemplated quitting cricket at one point due to a significant injury before the 2020 U-19 World Cup. His consistent performances and strategic understanding of the game have now earned him a well-deserved place in the national squad.