Old Trafford, Manchester:
As India prepare for the crucial fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, a fresh name in the squad has caught the attention of one of India’s greatest cricketing minds. Veteran off-spinner R Ashwin has heaped praise on Haryana fast bowler Anshul Kamboj, calling him a “serious addition” to India’s pace arsenal if selected in the playing XI for his potential Test debut on Wednesday.
IT’S NOT RAINING IN MANCHESTER!!!#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/GEwhK33RQW
— England’s Barmy Army 🏴🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) July 23, 2025
Kamboj’s Surprise Inclusion After Injury Crisis:
Kamboj was not originally part of the main Test squad. However, after returning home last month following India A’s tour of England due to a shin injury, the tall right-arm seamer has been fast-tracked into the senior team.
His inclusion became imminent after skipper Shubman Gill confirmed on match eve that pacer Akash Deep was unfit for the fourth Test. Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh is also ruled out, which leaves a two-way contest between Anshul Kamboj and Prasidh Krishna for the final pace spot. Kamboj, according to sources and Ashwin’s endorsement, is the front-runner.
Ashwin’s Praise: “He’s Ready and Understands Plans”
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin explained what sets Anshul apart from other young fast bowlers and why he deserves to debut.
“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’s a serious bowling attack,” Ashwin said.
Ashwin revealed that Kamboj’s ability to understand match plans and execute them puts him in the league of elite bowlers.
“Anshul understands plans and also knows how to execute them in the middle. Many bowlers even those with 30–40 Tests don’t understand plans. They often say things like ‘I’ll express myself,’ but execution is key. That’s where Anshul stands out.”
Stats That Back the Talent:
Kamboj’s numbers in domestic cricket this season have been remarkable. Since the start of the 2024–25 domestic calendar, he has claimed 55 wickets in just 11 matches, including a stellar 10-wicket match haul against Kerala in Lahli during the Ranji Trophy.
These performances earned him a place on the India A tour to the UK earlier this year, where he further impressed the selectors before the injury setback.
Also Read: Will India Dominate Day 1 Or Will Rain Play Spoilsport At Manchester?
Comparison With Zaheer and Bumrah
Ashwin drew parallels between Kamboj and India’s pace greats not in terms of raw skill, but in terms of cricketing intelligence and execution.
“Zaheer Khan was a master at understanding plans. In recent times, Jasprit Bumrah has carried that legacy. Anshul belongs to that rare category. I’m not comparing their skills, but the mental aspect of fast bowling knowing what to do and when to do it.”
IPL Exposure and Technical Strengths
Kamboj, who has spent time with Ashwin during IPL campaigns, also impressed with his technical attributes.
“He has a very good tappa (consistent length), which is crucial in English conditions. His wrist position is excellent, and he delivers a very upright seam. That discipline and control make him Test-ready,” Ashwin noted.
With India needing a win to level the series 2–2, team balance and impact selections will be key. If Kamboj gets the nod, he will join the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj in a pace-heavy attack perfectly suited for Manchester’s conditions.
As Ashwin pointed out, it’s not about experience but readiness and Anshul Kamboj, despite being a newcomer, might just be the X-factor India need.
