In a crucial development ahead of the fourth Test match between India and England, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has added young Haryana pacer Anshul Kamboj to the squad as emergency cover for the remaining matches of the tour. The 24-year-old fast bowler’s inclusion comes at a critical juncture as the IND vs ENG series hangs in the balance, with England currently leading 2-1 in the five-match series.
Injury Crisis Forces Squad Changes
Arshdeep Singh Ruled Out with Hand Injury
The primary reason behind Kamboj’s late inclusion stems from a significant injury to left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh during a practice session on Thursday. Singh sustained a deep cut on his bowling hand while attempting to stop a shot from teammate Sai Sudharsan during the follow-through in the nets at Beckenham. The injury was severe enough to require stitches, and medical assessments have confirmed that the Punjab pacer will need at least ten days to recover completely.
“Arshdeep has a deep cut and has had stitches, he will take at least ten days to get completely fit. The selectors have decided to add Kamboj in the squad,” revealed a BCCI source to The Indian Express. This development has effectively ruled Arshdeep out of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, scheduled to begin on July 23.
Akash Deep’s Fitness Concerns
Adding to India’s mounting injury concerns is the uncertain fitness status of Akash Deep, who showed signs of discomfort during the third Test at Lord’s. The Bengal pacer was seen holding his waist and grimacing in pain during the 28th over of England’s innings on Day 4, eventually walking off the field accompanied by the team physio. Although he returned to the field later, Deep did not bowl again that day, raising serious questions about his availability for the Manchester Test.
Deep, who has been dealing with a groin niggle, has a history of injury setbacks that have previously ruled him out of major assignments, including the final Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy and parts of IPL 2025. His absence during the final nets session before the team’s departure for Manchester has further amplified concerns about his participation in the crucial fourth Test.
Who is Anshul Kamboj?
Domestic Cricket Sensation
Anshul Kamboj’s call-up to the Indian Test squad represents the culmination of an impressive domestic career that has seen the young pacer establish himself as one of the most promising fast bowlers in Indian cricket. Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall, the right-arm medium-pace bowler has accumulated an impressive record of 79 wickets in just 24 first-class matches at an outstanding average of 22.88 and a strike rate of 44.2.
The Haryana pacer shot to national prominence during the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season, where he delivered one of the most memorable performances in the tournament’s history. Against Kerala at Lahli, Kamboj achieved the rare feat of taking all 10 wickets in an innings, recording sensational figures of 10/49. This exceptional performance made him only the third bowler in Ranji Trophy history to claim all 10 wickets in an innings, joining the exclusive company of Bengal’s Premangsu Chatterjee (1956-57) and Rajasthan’s Pradeep Somasundaram (1985-86).
IPL Journey and Professional Growth
Kamboj’s professional journey includes valuable experience in the Indian Premier League, where he initially represented Mumbai Indians before being picked up by Chennai Super Kings for ₹3.40 crore at the IPL 2025 mega auction. His performance for CSK was impressive, taking 8 wickets in 8 matches, with coach Stephen Fleming particularly praising his control and swing bowling abilities.
Recent Form and India A Performance
Success with India A
The timing of Kamboj’s inclusion in the Test squad couldn’t be better, considering his recent impressive showing with the India A team during their tour of England last month. The young pacer was part of the squad that played two three-day matches against the England Lions, where he showcased his skills on English soil by taking five wickets across three innings at an average of 26.20.
This recent exposure to English conditions has undoubtedly played a significant role in the selectors’ decision to include him as cover for the IND vs ENG series. His ability to adapt to different conditions and his experience of bowling on English pitches makes him a valuable addition to the squad at this crucial stage of the tour.
Strategic Implications for the Fourth Test
Must-Win Situation for India
With England holding a 2-1 lead in the five-match series, the fourth Test at Old Trafford has become a must-win encounter for India to keep their hopes of series victory alive. The IND vs ENG battle has reached a critical juncture where team selection and tactical decisions could prove decisive in determining the outcome of the remaining matches.
The injury crisis in India’s pace department has created both challenges and opportunities. While the absence of Arshdeep Singh and potential unavailability of Akash Deep weakens the bowling options, it also presents Kamboj with a golden opportunity to make his Test debut on one of cricket’s most prestigious stages.
Bowling Attack Considerations
India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is expected to return for the fourth Test after being rested as part of workload management during the third Test. Mohammed Siraj is likely to be his new-ball partner, but the third seamer’s position remains uncertain given the injury concerns surrounding Akash Deep.
Should the team management decide to field Kamboj, it would inject fresh energy into the bowling attack. His height advantage allows him to hit the deck hard and extract bounce, while his ability to swing the ball both ways could prove crucial in the expected overcast conditions at Manchester.
What Kamboj Brings to the Table
Skill Set and Bowling Style
Kamboj’s bowling arsenal makes him well-suited for English conditions. His ability to generate both swing and seam movement, combined with his accuracy and discipline in line and length, could prove valuable even on flat surfaces. The Manchester weather forecast suggests possible showers and overcast conditions during the Test match, which could provide additional assistance for seamers.
The young pacer’s experience with the Duke ball during his recent stint with India A gives him an edge, as he has already adapted to the challenges of bowling with the ball used in English cricket. His control and ability to maintain pressure through dot balls makes him an attractive option for the team management.
Mental Fortitude and Big-Match Temperament
Kamboj’s remarkable 10-wicket haul in the Ranji Trophy demonstrates his ability to perform under pressure and deliver when it matters most. Such performances indicate the mental strength and composure required to succeed at the highest level of cricket. These qualities could prove invaluable if he’s thrown into the deep end of Test cricket during such a crucial phase of the IND vs ENG series.
Historical Context and Pressure
Old Trafford’s Significance
The fourth Test venue, Old Trafford in Manchester, holds particular significance in IND vs ENG Test history. Out of nine previous Test matches between the two sides at this venue, England have won four while five have ended in draws. The ground’s characteristics and historical context add another layer of complexity to India’s selection decisions.
Weather conditions often play a crucial role at Old Trafford, and the forecast for the Test match period suggests that pace bowlers could find assistance from atmospheric conditions. This makes the composition of India’s pace attack even more critical for the outcome of the match.
Looking Ahead
Potential Test Debut
If selected, Kamboj’s potential Test debut would mark a significant milestone in his career and could represent a changing of the guard in Indian fast bowling. At 24, he represents the next generation of pace bowlers who could form the backbone of India’s bowling attack in the coming years.
The IND vs ENG series has already provided platforms for several young players to showcase their talents, and Kamboj’s inclusion continues this trend of investing in youth while maintaining competitive standards.
Series Implications
The addition of Kamboj to the squad reflects India’s determination to field their strongest possible team for the remaining matches of the IND vs ENG series. With the series outcome hanging in the balance, every selection decision carries immense weight and could influence the final result.
As the fourth Test approaches, all eyes will be on how India manages their pace bowling resources and whether the young Haryana pacer gets his opportunity to make an immediate impact on the biggest stage of all. The IND vs ENG series continues to provide drama and intrigue, with Kamboj’s inclusion adding another fascinating subplot to an already compelling cricket series.
The cricket world will be watching closely to see if this promising young fast bowler can step up when his country needs him most, potentially turning the tide in what has become one of the most competitive Test series in recent memory.
