Subhayan Chakraborty at Old Trafford
Over a whirlwind few days, 24-year-old Anshul Kamboj has gone from a promising talent to a potential debutant for India in the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford. The young fast bowler’s journey has been on the fast lane, with a packed schedule that saw him join the Indian Test squad on Saturday, mingle with his new teammates on Sunday, and hit the ground running in the nets on Monday. By Wednesday, he could be donning the Indian whites for the first time.
The Haryana pacer with the nickname ‘AK-47’, going by his initials and jersey number, is a Glenn McGrath fan, though it remains to be seen whether he retains the same number on his India jersey. “McGrath is my idol,” Kamboj had told RevSportz in January in an interview. “I have watched a lot of his videos in my childhood. His bowling style is very similar to what I do, that is to keep hitting that one area consistently. I also try to stick to that particular line and length and trouble the batters as much as possible.”
Kamboj’s call-up comes at a critical juncture for India, who are grappling with injuries in their pace bowling department. With Arshdeep Singh sidelined due to a thumb injury sustained in Beckenham and Akash Deep recovering from a groin issue, the fast-bowling resources are stretched. The team is left with Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur, Prasidh Krishna, and the uncapped Kamboj to choose from. While Bumrah and Siraj are certain starters, Kamboj’s relentless accuracy and ability to bowl probing lines have sparked discussions about a potential debut.
Upon arriving in Manchester, Kamboj was warmly welcomed by Siraj, who greeted him with an enthusiastic “Welcome to Manchester!” The camaraderie continued as Kamboj bowled tirelessly in the nets for over 45 minutes with the new ball, testing himself against India’s top batsmen – KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Rishabh Pant. His consistent areas and rhythm caught the eye, and he engaged in multiple conversations with head coach Gautam Gambhir, bowling coach Morne Morkel, and senior selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar. Kamboj also sought advice from seasoned campaigners like Bumrah, Siraj, and Thakur, soaking in their insights as he adjusted to the demands of international cricket.
Kamboj, who plays for Chennai Super Kings in IPL, and has appeared for Mumbai Indians in the past, has had the opportunity to quietly observe Bumrah, and could very well feature for the Indian team along with the ace pacer.
“After playing in the IPL, observing (Jasprit) Bumrah, I’ve learnt the value of being patient,” Kamboj had reflected back in January. “I am much more focused now. I’ve observed that top players continuously work on new skills, adding to their arsenal, and that’s what I aim to do with my bowling. Watching Bumrah or other top players in the dressing room, you notice how they prepare before a pressure situation. How they ready themselves before a big match, their processes, what they do in their preparations and what has made them such big players and why they succeed in big situations. This is seen during practice sessions and in many more things like their attitude during such situations. How focused they are, what they do, how they stand up on major occasions.”
Kamboj’s recent performances bolster his case. As part of the India A squad that faced England Lions in two unofficial Tests, he showcased his versatility. In the second match in Northampton, he claimed a four-wicket haul, including two wickets in a single over, and even chipped in with an unbeaten half-century. Known for his skiddy deliveries and ability to extract sharp bounce, Kamboj’s skill set aligns with Siraj’s emphasis on bowling consistently in the right areas – a trait critical for success in Test cricket.
With Gambhir and Morkel guiding him through long net sessions, Kamboj appears to be adapting quickly to the rigours of the international stage.
As India finalise their playing XI, Kamboj’s inclusion remains a tantalising possibility. For now, he is making all the right moves, blending preparation, adaptability, and enthusiasm as he stands on the cusp of a dream debut. His ultimate dream? “Everybody dreams of playing for India,” Kamboj had said with a big smile. “Whenever I get the chance to represent my country, I will give my best. That’s what I can say. I just want to help India win as many matches as possible.”
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